Ennedi Plateau in the north-east part of Chad is one of the most
inaccessible region in the middle of Sahara. It rises out of the Saharan
Desert near the border with Libya and Sudan and is surrounded by the
sands on all sides, that encroach the deep valleys within the Ennedi
range. At one time only the nomadic caravans could manage to cross it
but now it is accessible by 4x4 vehicles though there are no regular
roads in the area.
The region is full of amazing geologically formed arches and pillars
some of which are as exquisite as those in USA (Utah/Arizona) or other
part of the World. However due to inaccessibility, political unrest,
extreme poverty, fragile law and order situation etc there is total lack
of tourist facilities and not many persons visit the area. Its
breathtaking beauty, which has been described as Sahara’s Secret Garden , therefore remains unknown to most of the outside world.
Few gueltas (wetland, typical of desert regions which are formed when
underground water in lowland depressions spills to the surface and
creates permanent pools and reservoirs) in the plateau are the last
refuge of unique flora and fauna that have survived the harsh Sahara
Desert. Most famous of these is the dwarf Nile crocodile which can be
found in Guelta d'Archei. Reportedly till the middle of 20th century the
last lions of Sahara also roamed the area. A few Ennedi tigers
may still be hiding in the deep interior of the region. Though the
Guelta d'Archei has some water it is a barren place, away from beaten
paths. A 4x4 takes at least 4 days to travel from N'Djamena, the Chad
capital and another 4 hours trekking to reach this barren but beautiful
spot.
Some petroglyph or rock paintings have also been found in the area
indicating that perhaps it once harboured some lost city. (Niola Doa?)
The Aloba Arch - about 120 metres (394
feet) high with a span of about 77 metres (253 feet) is one of the most
remarkable and is amongst the highest natural arches in the World. Its
huge opening can be gauged by the tiny human figure standing at the
bottom of the arch, just in front of its shadow!
Little Aloba Arch - Height about 39 metres (128 feet), Span 9 metres (29.5 feet)
Five Arch Rock aka Arc de Triomphe is a peculiar rock with five
openings. The largest opening has a span of 19.2 (63 feet) metres and a
height of 22.6 metres (74 feet)
Mask Rock has two openings like a face mask, hence the name.
Elephant Arch - is known by its very obvious large sized trunk
and a characteristic eye of an elephant. It has a height of 23.2 metres
(76 feet) and a span of 18 metres (59 feet). Notice the smaller opening
in the upper left - the "eye" of the elephant.
Petroglyph - Human Figures
Petroglyph - Cattle
Dwarf Nile Crocodile
Beautiful!
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