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Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape adventures

Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape Adventures

Ennedi Massif is a stunning sandstone plateau in the Sahara desert of northern Chad, featuring dramatic canyons, rock formations, and ancient art sites, making it a unique destination for adventure and cultural exploration.

9,600,000
Acres Protected
N/A
Miles of Trails
Limited Data
Annual Visitors
2016 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Year Established

About Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape

Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape
 

Ennedi Massif, located in the Borkou Region of northern Chad, is famed for its extraordinary sandstone formations that rise strikingly in the heart of the Sahara. Spanning an area of approximately 15,000 square miles, this landscape is characterized by its deep canyons, vast arches, and isolated mesas, sculpted by wind and water erosion over millions of years. The massif holds not only geological marvels but also a rich history of human habitation, evident from its numerous rock art sites that date back thousands of years, showcasing the cultural expressions of ancient Saharan peoples. This area supports diverse ecosystems, including gueltas—permanent waterholes that are life-sustaining oases in the desert, harboring unique species such as the critically endangered desert crocodile. Visitors to Ennedi can engage in activities like hiking, cultural tours, and wildlife viewing, immersing in the remarkable convergence of nature and human history.

Highlights

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Aloba Arch, one of the tallest natural arches in the world

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The gueltas of Archei, home to ancient rock art and desert crocodiles

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Extraordinary rock formations like the Needle of Bichagara

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Rock painting galleries such as those found in Niola Doa

Notable Natural Features

Aloba Arch

An iconic, massive natural arch measuring 394 feet in height, second only to the Fairy Bridge in China.

Gueltas of Archei

Watering holes with stunning rock art and home to the Saharan desert crocodile.

Niola Doa Rock Art

A significant site containing detailed rock engravings reflecting ancient human and animal interactions.