Things to Do in Ennedi Plateau, Tchad تشاد

The Ennedi Plateau in northeastern Chad is one of Africa's most spectacular and remote wilderness areas, featuring dramatic sandstone formations, ancient rock art, and pristine desert landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers over 40,000 square kilometers and contains some of the Sahara's most impressive geological formations, including towering stone arches, deep canyons, and mushroom-shaped rock pillars sculpted by millennia of wind and water erosion. Home to thousands of prehistoric rock paintings and engravings dating back 7,000 years, the Ennedi Plateau offers visitors a unique glimpse into ancient civilizations and their relationship with the desert environment. The region supports surprising biodiversity, including desert-adapted crocodiles in hidden pools, various antelope species, and over 200 bird species, making it a remarkable destination for adventurous travelers seeking one of Africa's last great wilderness experiences.

Top Things to Do in Ennedi Plateau

Rock Art and Petroglyphs Exploration

Discover thousands of ancient rock paintings and engravings scattered throughout the plateau's caves and cliff faces. These prehistoric artworks depict hunting scenes, daily life, and the region's former wildlife including elephants, giraffes, and cattle, providing insight into 7,000 years of human history.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $150-300 per day including guide and transport. Book through specialized Chad tour operators 2-3 months in advance. Best visited during dry season (November-March) when temperatures are more manageable.

Natural Stone Arch Formations

Marvel at the plateau's famous natural stone arches, including the iconic Aloba Arch, one of the largest natural arches in the world. These dramatic sandstone formations create spectacular photographic opportunities and showcase millions of years of geological processes.

Booking Tip: Access requires 4WD vehicles and experienced guides, expect $200-400 per day for vehicle and driver. Early morning visits offer best lighting and cooler temperatures. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Desert Crocodile Viewing

Visit the hidden pools and gueltas where Nile crocodiles have survived in isolation for thousands of years, adapting to the harsh desert environment. These remarkable reptiles represent a living link to the region's wetter past when the Sahara was green.

Booking Tip: Best viewing from October to February when water levels are optimal. Tours cost $100-200 per day, book with local guides who know current water conditions. Maintain safe distance from crocodiles at all times.

Canyon and Gorge Trekking

Explore the plateau's deep canyons and narrow gorges, including the spectacular Bachikele Canyon with its towering walls and hidden oases. These formations provide shelter from desert winds and harbor unique ecosystems with endemic plant species.

Booking Tip: Trekking requires good fitness levels and costs $150-250 per day including guide. Bring sturdy hiking boots and camping gear for multi-day expeditions. Water sources are limited, so carry sufficient supplies.

Traditional Toubou Culture Experience

Meet the indigenous Toubou people who have inhabited this harsh environment for centuries, learning about their traditional nomadic lifestyle, desert survival techniques, and cultural practices. Experience traditional music, crafts, and hospitality in remote settlements.

Booking Tip: Cultural visits cost $50-100 per day and should be arranged through respectful tour operators. Bring small gifts like tea or sugar as tokens of appreciation. Learn basic French or Arabic phrases for better communication.

Getting There

Reaching the Ennedi Plateau requires flying into N'Djamena, Chad's capital, then taking a domestic flight to Fada or driving overland (12-15 hours) via 4WD vehicle. Most visitors join organized expeditions that include all transportation, as independent travel requires extensive permits, specialized vehicles, GPS navigation, and desert driving experience. Charter flights can be arranged from N'Djamena directly to airstrips near the plateau for around $2,000-3,000, significantly reducing travel time but increasing costs.

Getting Around

Transportation within the Ennedi Plateau is exclusively by 4WD vehicles, typically Toyota Land Cruisers or similar robust vehicles capable of handling sand, rocks, and extreme terrain. Most visitors travel as part of guided expeditions with experienced drivers who know the unmarked routes, water sources, and safe camping spots. Camel trekking is possible for shorter distances and offers a traditional desert experience, while walking is limited to specific areas due to the vast distances and harsh conditions.

Where to Stay

Fada (base town)

Organized camping expeditions

Luxury desert camps

Guelta camping sites

Canyon shelter camping

Mobile tented camps

Food & Dining

Dining in the Ennedi Plateau consists primarily of expedition-style meals prepared by camp cooks, featuring a mix of international and local Chadian cuisine including rice dishes, grilled meats, vegetables, and traditional millet-based foods. Most tour packages include all meals prepared over campfires or portable stoves, with emphasis on hearty, nutritious food suitable for desert conditions. Visitors should expect simple but satisfying meals, and those with dietary restrictions should communicate needs well in advance as ingredient availability is limited in this remote region.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit the Ennedi Plateau is during the dry season from November to March when temperatures are more manageable (20-30°C/68-86°F during the day) and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the most comfortable conditions with cool nights perfect for camping under star-filled skies. The hot season (April-June) brings extreme temperatures exceeding 45°C/113°F, while the rainy season (July-October) can make roads impassable and increase the risk of flash floods in canyons, though it also brings temporary green landscapes and active waterfalls.

Insider Tips

Bring a high-quality GPS device and backup batteries as mobile phone coverage is nonexistent throughout most of the plateau

Pack a comprehensive first aid kit and any personal medications as medical facilities are days away from most areas of the plateau

Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people, especially in Toubou communities where traditional beliefs are strong

Things to Do in Ennedi Plateau