Tibesti

[gvdaa]

Just came back from Tibesti. Drove my Landcruiser from Holland to Ndjamena along the Atlantic route. From Ndjamena drove to Mao, Zouar and Bardai. Also visited the Trou Natron. Than on to Ennedi (Ounianga, Archei, Faya, Fada) and through Abeche back to Ndjamena. No problems, great trip. It seems we (our group consisted of 6 people in two cars) were the first tourists in Bardai since 11 years. In Ennedi we met some other tourist groups. Our security in Tibesti was guaranteed by a Tubu-colonel in the Chadian army. He also arranged two guides. We paid him about 150 euro's a day.

[roro]

Yes, great trip indeed!
But also a lot of money...
RR.

[gvdaa]

I think you can also go without guide, but than you probably will have to pay at checkpoints and in many communities. And maybe it's more difficult to get your "permit de circulation" in Ndjamena. I also suppose without guide you will be less safe in Tibesti. In Ennedi the security seems to be better though.

[famous_walker]

Great trip, I am envious. Am I correct that you had those three people - the colonel and two guides - in your cars all the time? That's them plus the six of you, that is nine people? Was each of the two guides a specialist in a different local area? Does this colonel do this regularly - can he be used as a contact in the future?

Thank you,

Peter

[gvdaa]

The colonel planned to come, but sent two cousins in the end. One cousin was a very nice guy, they other one a bit less. But no big problems. We had 8 people in two cars. I think you can ask the colonel to help you, but you will have to use an intermediary to contact him. I can provide the intermediary, but only if you are serious about really making the trip. Because preparations and making the right contacts take a lot of time in Chad.

[famous_walker]

Thank you. Not now, but I will keep it in mind for later.

[davor]

Wow, that's great trip! Congrats!
Will you publish some trip report with photos somewhere. Would like to read that story!

[gvdaa]

Hope to write an S-file soon, with pictures.

[Chris Scott]

Here is a map for Gerbert's route.

In and out of Faya with Le Point (if it happens) would sure save a lot of boring days in the Sahel.

Ch

[m37charlie]

Did you return home the same way?
How long did you spend in Chad total?

Charlie

[gvdaa]

The trip took 23 days. I wanted to park my car in NDJ for next trip, but sold it because I got offered a good price. Here are some pictures by the way: Tsjaad, november 2010 | Facebook

[andrasz]

No, I'm not jealous, not the least, not one little bit... The fact that I'm turning a nice shade of green has absolutely nothing to do with envy

Congrats on the superb trip, waiting to hear more!

[gvdaa]

Here is the S-file:

Sahara Overland ~ Tibesti 2010

[roro]

May be I've read your (very nice) report a little speedy....But I've don't seen anything about mines.
Was it a problem to go there?
RR.

[gvdaa]

It seems rather clear where the mines are. The road from Zouar to Bardai is mined, but local authorities made some deviations earlier this year. So now the road is open again. At many oher places areas with mines are fenced or encircled with red painted stones. I did not hear about recent accidents, but did not like to sit in the first car while driving through Tibesti. Most mines are Libyan mines, but during the rebellion many new ones were laid. (Mind that Zouar was occupied by rebels untill the beginning of this year.)