Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape
Location: North-Eastern Chad
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (iii) cultural tradition
(v) aesthetic importance
vii) geological and geomorphological features
(x) biodiversity and threatened species conservation
Overview: The Ennedi Massif is a natural and cultural landscape located in northeastern Chad. It covers an area of over 40,000 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora, fauna, and geological formations. The landscape is characterized by sandstone towers, canyons, and arches, as well as rock paintings and engravings dating back thousands of years.
Prominent Features: The Ennedi Massif is home to several unique geological formations, including sandstone towers and arches, as well as canyons and plateaus. The massif is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of antelope, baboons, and hyenas. Visitors can explore the massif by foot or by vehicle, taking guided tours to see the region's many natural and cultural attractions.
Some of the most popular sites to visit include the Aloba Arch, the Guelta d'Archei oasis, and the UNESCO-protected rock art sites.
History: The Ennedi Massif has been inhabited by various groups of people for thousands of years, and the area's rock paintings and engravings provide evidence of their cultures and traditions. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016 in recognition of its outstanding geological and cultural significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families visiting the Ennedi Massif can enjoy guided tours of the region's many natural and cultural attractions, including the Guelta d'Archei oasis, where they can see desert-adapted wildlife like crocodiles and camels. Kids will also enjoy learning about the area's history and cultures through visits to the many rock art sites, which provide fascinating insights into the lives and traditions of past generations.
Fun Fact: The Ennedi Massif was once covered by a vast sea, and the region's sandstone formations were formed over millions of years by the gradual erosion of sedimentary rock.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Ennedi Massif, but visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Chadian authorities. Guided tours of the region's many attractions can be arranged through local tour operators.
How to Reach it: The Ennedi Massif is located in northeastern Chad, and the easiest way to reach it is by flying into the town of Fada, which is located near the southern edge of the massif. From Fada, visitors can hire a 4x4 vehicle or take a guided tour to explore the region's many attractions. It's important to note that the area is remote and can be difficult to access, so visitors should plan their trip carefully and be prepared for rugged conditions.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation near the Ennedi Massif, including camping and traditional guesthouses. Many visitors choose to camp in the region's many designated campsites, which offer basic facilities like toilets and showers. Traditional guesthouses are also available in some of the nearby towns, offering more comfortable accommodations for those who prefer not to camp. It's important to note that the area is remote and lacks many of the amenities that travelers may be accustomed to, so visitors should be prepared for basic conditions and bring their own supplies and equipment.
Next Stop: Lakes of Ounianga
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (iii) cultural tradition
(v) aesthetic importance
vii) geological and geomorphological features
(x) biodiversity and threatened species conservation
Overview: The Ennedi Massif is a natural and cultural landscape located in northeastern Chad. It covers an area of over 40,000 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora, fauna, and geological formations. The landscape is characterized by sandstone towers, canyons, and arches, as well as rock paintings and engravings dating back thousands of years.
Prominent Features: The Ennedi Massif is home to several unique geological formations, including sandstone towers and arches, as well as canyons and plateaus. The massif is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of antelope, baboons, and hyenas. Visitors can explore the massif by foot or by vehicle, taking guided tours to see the region's many natural and cultural attractions.
Some of the most popular sites to visit include the Aloba Arch, the Guelta d'Archei oasis, and the UNESCO-protected rock art sites.
History: The Ennedi Massif has been inhabited by various groups of people for thousands of years, and the area's rock paintings and engravings provide evidence of their cultures and traditions. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016 in recognition of its outstanding geological and cultural significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families visiting the Ennedi Massif can enjoy guided tours of the region's many natural and cultural attractions, including the Guelta d'Archei oasis, where they can see desert-adapted wildlife like crocodiles and camels. Kids will also enjoy learning about the area's history and cultures through visits to the many rock art sites, which provide fascinating insights into the lives and traditions of past generations.
Fun Fact: The Ennedi Massif was once covered by a vast sea, and the region's sandstone formations were formed over millions of years by the gradual erosion of sedimentary rock.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Ennedi Massif, but visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Chadian authorities. Guided tours of the region's many attractions can be arranged through local tour operators.
How to Reach it: The Ennedi Massif is located in northeastern Chad, and the easiest way to reach it is by flying into the town of Fada, which is located near the southern edge of the massif. From Fada, visitors can hire a 4x4 vehicle or take a guided tour to explore the region's many attractions. It's important to note that the area is remote and can be difficult to access, so visitors should plan their trip carefully and be prepared for rugged conditions.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation near the Ennedi Massif, including camping and traditional guesthouses. Many visitors choose to camp in the region's many designated campsites, which offer basic facilities like toilets and showers. Traditional guesthouses are also available in some of the nearby towns, offering more comfortable accommodations for those who prefer not to camp. It's important to note that the area is remote and lacks many of the amenities that travelers may be accustomed to, so visitors should be prepared for basic conditions and bring their own supplies and equipment.
Next Stop: Lakes of Ounianga