A remote, multi-week crossing of Chad’s Tibesti massif that pairs volcanic high-country—Emi Koussi and the Trou au Natron—with the unexpected wetlands of Ounianga. Prepare for hard tracks, long days, and authentic contact with the Tubu people.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Sand and stone rearrange the horizon into a hard, patient geometry as the convoy pulls away from N’Djamena. Within days the paved road dissolves into track and the air thins above black pumice slopes that once erupted in the region’s fossil volcanoes. You move from flat Sahelian scrub into cliffs, gorges and finally the volcanic amphitheaters of the Tibesti massif—where Emi Koussi towers above the Sahara and the Trou au Natron yawns below.
Difficulty
expert
Duration
18–19 days
Fitness Level
High aerobic fitness and prior multi-day trekking or expedition experience recommended; able to manage long off-road days and camping.
Wildlife
History
Tibesti served as a caravan crossroads linking central Saharan routes and is the ancestral homeland of the Tubu people, whose authority centers (like the former seat at Zouar) still shape local life.
Conservation
This fragile desert ecosystem sustains rare groundwater-fed lakes and oases; minimize impact by packing out waste, using established camp sites and respecting local grazing patterns.
Reserve your spot on the SAHARA - Tibesti today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydration and water planning
Carry at least 3–4 liters per day and a backup purification method—resupply is infrequent between oases.
Sun and heat protection
Daytime sun is intense; high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat and UV sunglasses are essential.
Vehicle and gear redundancy
Bring spare tires, fuel filters and basic recovery gear—the route has long stretches of rough, stony track.
Respect local customs and permits
Visits are community-regulated; follow guide instructions, obtain visitation rights and dress modestly in villages.
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
Supports feet on rocky pumice slopes, steep caldera trails and rough desert tracks.
Hydration system + water purification
Ensures safe drinking water between oasis resupplies during long desert stretches.
Sun protection kit (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+)
Prevents sunburn and heat-related issues under intense Sahara sunlight.
summer
Warm layers and sleeping bag rated to near-freezing
Nights at high elevation and in the desert can drop sharply after sunset.
winter