Overland through Niger, Chad, Central African Republic

[Xenobian]

My first post on here after considerable time browsing and watching.... I am recently back after a long overland expedition (Toyota Landcruiser HZJ78) across West Africa, Niger and into Northern Chad, Central African Republic and ending at the port of Douala, Cameroon.

The main expedition focus was the Tibesti Mountains in Northern Chad, with 6 weeks dedicated for exploring the region intensively. We entered from N'guigmi in Niger to Bol, on the shores of Lake Chad. A few days to explore Lake Chad by pirogue was complicated considerably by police resistance, before eventually being given the permission for it. Many beautiful islands with timeless villages. A few days in Ndjamena (obtaining permits and supplies) were needed before the long drive north to the Tibsti an the Aouzou strip (border with Southern Libya). We crossed the large sand sea to the Lakes of Ounianga, before heading south (more sand sea) to Abeche, Zakouma National Park before exiting near Sarh to the Central African Republic.

 

[Xenobian]

A few more photos from Lake Chad and Northern Chad (Tibesti mountains)

 

[Xenobian]

One of my favorite shots from a beautiful drive near to the town of Zouar, Tibesti Mountains.

 

[Xenobian]

A breathtakingly remote and dramatic camp in a canyon between Zouarke and Zouar, Tibesti Mountains.



A typical village in the Tibesti mountains.

 

[Xenobian]

The Lakes of Ounianga, in the middle of the Sahara in Northern Chad.

 

[Xenobian]

A few of the many many tanks etc abandoned after the Chad-Libya Conflict of 1978-87 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chadian–Libyan_conflict). The conflict to follow became known as the "Toyota conflict" was it was mostly fought with Toyota pick ups....


Gouro - A lonely outpost.


Six weeks in the Tibesti was followed by two in Southern Chad. Here, the ruined city of Ouara, south of Abeche near the border with Sudan (Darfur region):


On the way further south to Am Timan and Zakouma National Park


Lions in Zakouma National Park, Southern Chad


Giraffe in Zakouma NP.

 

[Xenobian]

The roads turning into classic Central African red, heading towards the border crossing with the Central African Republic.

 

[DiploStrat]

You got to the trou au natron! One of my lifetime goals; never realized.

 

[DiploStrat]

A few of the many many tanks etc abandoned after the Chad-Libya Conflict of 1978-87 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chadian–Libyan_conflict). The conflict to follow became known as the "Toyota conflict" was it was mostly fought with Toyota pick ups....
View attachment 702705

OK, to be REALLY pedantic. It was the Toyota war because:

-- A Toyota at over 80 kmph will typically not explode an anti-vehicle mine, or it will be moving fast enough that the blast will be behind it.

-- At that speed, it is moving too fast for the turret of the Russian tanks used by the Libyans. This allows you to close and get behind the tank.

-- At less than 100 metres, a LAW will penetrate the armor. Way below US minimums, but if the blast doesn't get you, you can stop a tank.

 

[Victorian]

Wow haven’t seen anyone posting/ talking about Tibesti in ages! this was my dream also in the 1990s to visit.

 

[SDDiver5]

So awesome!

 

[alanymarce]

I congratulate you! Brings back memories of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia... I've never made it into Chad or West Africa, so far, and honestly don't have the confidence to do so at this time.

 

[Xenobian]

OK, to be REALLY pedantic. It was the Toyota war because:

-- A Toyota at over 80 kmph will typically not explode an anti-vehicle mine, or it will be moving fast enough that the blast will be behind it.

-- At that speed, it is moving too fast for the turret of the Russian tanks used by the Libyans. This allows you to close and get behind the tank.

-- At less than 100 metres, a LAW will penetrate the armor. Way below US minimums, but if the blast doesn't get you, you can stop a tank.

These are all correct points, of course

 

[Xenobian]

You got to the trou au natron! One of my lifetime goals; never realized.

I did not descent into the Trou au Natron with gear, although this definitely remains a goal. It is breathtaking to sit on the edge and look....

 

[Xenobian]

Wow haven’t seen anyone posting/ talking about Tibesti in ages! this was my dream also in the 1990s to visit.

Not many if any people heading up there these days, not that many ever went I think. It was peaceful for sure, just you and the desert...paradise. Without a doubt one of the best places in the Sahara. We skipped much of the Ennedi due to time constraints and having explored it in depths previously. Of course, it is an addictive place, cannot help but want to return