Guelta d’Archei is an oasis, or rather a guelta, in the heart of the Sahara desert.
Guelta d’Archei is located in the Ennedi Plateau, in north-eastern Chad, hidden behind a canyon.
Its waters sheltered by thetowering sandstone cliffs typical of this region.
Dung from thousands of camels excreted over hundreds of years have turned the water black.
Guelta dArchei represents one of the last remaining colonies of the Nile crocodile known in the Sahara today.
The crocodiles feed on fish that survive on the algae that thrive on the waters fertilized by camel droppings.
Guelta dArchei is indeed a zoological marvel.
Guelta d’Archei is a barren place, away from beaten paths.
Reaching it requires a 4x4 and at least four days' travel from n’Djamena, the capital of Chad.
From there, a trek of a few hours will take you to the place seen in these pictures.
