Deep in the heart of the Sahara desert lies a chain of lakes that are so improbable they must surely fulfill the definition of a miracle. The Lakes of Ounianga, in northern Chad, are a chain of 18 interconnected lakes that emerge like the mirage of a vast oasis in the midst of one of the driest deserts on earth. This beautiful group of lakes, with bright turquoise and cobalt waters, are set against a rugged backdrop of sandstone cliffs in the middle of an endless sea of golden sand dunes.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, the Lakes of Ouinanga are situated in what scientists describe as a hyperarid desert, which regularly receives less than 2mm of rainfall per year. The 18 lakes have a total surface area of around 20 square kilometers, something which should be impossible in the middle of the Sahara desert. But the lakes manage to defy the laws of the desert landscape, and are not evaporated away, because they are sustained by an underground system of ancient aquifers. This allows the lakes to provide a wide variety of lush vegetation, as well as animals and birdlife, a secure oasis home, even in one of the most unforgiving environments on the continent.
Palms, acacias, reeds, and many other species thrive alongside the lake shores, providing shade and life-giving water to local nomadic communities, as well as the migratory birds and wildlife in the area. In fact, for countless generations the lakes have been included in the travels and stories of the trans-Saharan caravan trade routes – a timeless symbol of resilience and the unexpected gifts of the natural world. And the powerful contrast between the ruthless sands of the desert and the calm blue waters of the lakes leave many travelers speechless when they first set eyes upon this most unique phenomena.
Of course, due to the rugged landscapes, and the tough journey to reach this remote oasis, the Lakes of Ounianga are not an ideal travel destination for everyone. But if you’re filled with the spirit of adventure and want to experience some of the world’s least explored places, then the Lakes of Ounianga should most certainly be on your African itinerary.
How Do You Get To The Lakes Of Ounianga, Chad?
Reaching the Lakes of Ounianga requires a little determination, but with the help of modern transportation and experienced local guides, it’s a manageable adventure that’s well worth the effort. For international travelers, you’ll need to fly into the N’Djamena International Airport (NDJ), Chad’s only major airport. A flight from London or New York will take between 12 to 15 hours, while a flight from Sydney can take upwards of 20 hours.
Once you touch down, it’s another 1000 km across the desert to reach the Lakes of Ounianga. And it’s definitely not advised to travel deeply into rural Chad or the Sahara on your own – unless you really know what you’re doing. Therefore, your best option is to join a guided 4×4 tour to the lakes. A private guided 4×4 tour will take a little over 2 weeks to complete the round-trip to the Lakes of Ounianga and back to the capital. During the drive you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful scenery of the great Sahara Desert, and stop in a whole range of wild camps along the way.
Accommodations and other facilities outside of the capital are fairly basic, mainly consisting of guesthouses and outdoor campsites – so don’t expect luxury suites or gourmet fine dining during your trip to the lakes. And although reaching the Lakes of Ounianga can be quite challenging, you’ll enjoy a fantastic adventure before being greeted by the cool oasis shade of one of the world’s least visited sites.
What’s The Best Time To Visit The Lakes Of Ounianga, Chad?
The ideal time to visit Chad, and the Lakes of Ounianga in particular, is between April and September. Temperatures at this time of year are cooler, particularly in the Sahara, which makes travel much more comfortable. And while this is the rainy season in the south of Chad, the additional rainfall means that parts of the desert, especially on the fringes, bloom with wild flowers – making great opportunities for spectacular photography. At this time of the year the water levels are also slightly higher in the Lakes of Ounianga, which attracts wildlife and birds to the shores.
Furthermore, local safaris and tours to the Lakes of Ounianga only operate at this time of year – so unless you’re planning a solo expedition, you should plan your trip for between April and September. And in terms of other tourists, due to the remoteness of the lakes, you’ll never need to worry about overcrowding!
What Is There To Do When You Visit Chad And The Lakes Of Ounianga?
The tourist sector in Chad remains fairly undeveloped, and so any trip to the nation will be filled with adventure and, occasionally, a certain degree of hardship. There are very few upmarket hotels or dedicated amenities for tourists, but nonetheless, if you want to explore the truly unseen parts of the world these minor inconveniences will not put you off.
17 Days/16 Nights Tour of Ennedi and Lake Ounianga Tour of Discovery
The Lakes of Ounianga are located deep within the barren sands of the Sahara, one of the most daunting stretches of wilderness on the planet. As a result, the best, and by far the safest way to visit the Lakes of Ounianga is to join a private 4×4 tour, led by experienced local guides.
The adventure begins in N’Dhamena, the capital of Chad. You’ll be picked up at the airport, straight from your flight, and driven to the nearby La Residence Hotel to rest until the next day. Over the next two weeks you’ll travel far out into the Sahara passing dramatic sandstone cliffs and rock formations, including unique rock art and spectacular arches and pinnacles. You’ll travel through remote gorges, the famous Mourdi Depression, and follow in the footsteps of the ancient desert caravan routes.
Of course, one of the major highlights of this journey in the Sahara are the UNESCO listed Lakes of Ounianga. You should reach the lakes on the afternoon of Day 9, and then you’ll have the whole of Day 10 to explore the palm groves and banks of the Lakes of Ounianga. You’ll also visit Ounianga Serir and Ounianga Kebir, and learn all about the ecology and history of the oasis.
Your journey back towards the capital begins on Day 12, traveling via Abeche, Mongo, and through some of the more populated southern regions of Chad, ending up back in N’Djamena on Day 17. Throughout the tour you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of one of the most isolated parts of our shared planet.
You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with locals and learn how desert communities harvest salt from the Lakes of Ounianga. And what’s more, you’ll spot wildlife you won’t see anywhere else. Each night you’ll camp under the magnificent stars of the Sahara desert or in a local pre-booked hotel, and all your meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, are prepared by your guides.
The tour to the Lakes of Ounianga operates each year from April through September – although you should contact Africa Tours & Travel to confirm your departure dates at least one week before you arrive, just to ensure that everything’s in place for you. You should also contact the tour operator to ensure that they can accommodate your planned dates of arrival before you make any bookings.
You can book your place on this incredible tour, or find out more about the specifics of the itinerary, at the official website of Africa Tours & Travel, here.
Stay at La Residence Hotel, N’Djamena, Chad
If you’d like to relax and explore N’Djamena, then La Residence Hotel is the perfect option for your stay in the nation’s capital. With a large outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant serving a lovely mix of local and international cuisine, and 119 air conditioned rooms, this 4 Star hotel ticks all the boxes for your stay in the capital.
Each room has free WiFi, a fridge, flat screen TV with international channels, an office desk, and an ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Rooms also have private balconies, and 24 hour access to the front desk. Conveniently situated just a short drive from the international airport, the hotel’s reception staff are always on hand to help you arrange local trips and sight seeing, as well as your onward travel.
You can find out more about La Residence Hotel, and book your rooms on the hotel’s official website, here.
Take a Tour to the Gaoui Village and Learn About the Sao Civilization
Situated around 10 km to the north-east of N’Djamena, this village is one of the only remaining sites where you can still see the remains of the ancient Sao civilization. The Sao civilization emerged in Chad and Cameroon sometime in the 5th Century BCE, and thrived in the area until as late as the 16th Century CE.
When you visit Gaoui, you’ll see some extremely rare Sao artifacts at the museum in Gaoui – one of the best collections of Sao artifacts anywhere on earth. Your English speaking local guide will tell you about the culture of the Sao civilization, and about the rise and fall of this once great empire, as well as show you round the village and introduce you to some of the locals.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop off. You can book your place on the tour, or find out more, here.
