Emi Koussi

Reaching 3445m in elevation and rising 2300m above the surrounding sandstone plains, Emi Koussi is one of several shield volcanoes in the Tibesti massif and is the highest in the Sahara. The summit includes three craters formed by powerful eruptions in which can be found numerous lava domes, cinder cones and lava flows. Its main crater is 12km wide and 1.2km deep and the volcano’s dark volcanic rock provide a sharp contrast to the surrounding light sandstone.

Thesiger’s Footsteps

Emi Koussi was climbed in September 1938 by Wilfred Thesiger and Idris Daud. In Arabian Sands (1959), Thesiger said of the climb;

“At last we saw, faint like a cloud upon the desert’s edge, the dim outline of Emi Koussi, the crater summit of Tibesti. As we drew near it dominated our world, sharp blue at dawn, and black against the setting sun. We climbed it with difficulty, and stood at last upon the crater’s rim, 11,125 feet above sea-level. Beneath us in the crater’s floor was the vent, a great hole a thousand feet deep. To the north were range upon range of jagged peaks, rising from shadowed gorges, an awful scene of utter desolation. Everywhere the rocks were slowly crumbling away, eroded by sun and wind and storm. It was a sombre land, black and red and brown and grey.”

Your first two days of trekking will be supported by 4WD vehicles. This will enable exploration of the rich sand dunes and rock outcrops (tassilis) of the Ourti valley at the foot of Emi Koussi. You’ll discover isolated nomadic encampments and be able to explore prehistoric rock engravings and paintings.

From the tiny settlement of Tigui you’ll head off on a seven-day camel supported trek with your Toubou guides, through scenic ‘gueltas’ to climb to the summit of Emi Koussi, the highest peak in the Sahara. From the enormous (12x15km) volcanic caldera you’ll get exceptional views across the whole of the Tibesti massif. Crossing the caldera you’ll explore the ‘petit trou au natron’ before reaching the highest point of Emi Koussi at 3445m.

Goals achieved

From the summit you’ll descend through the gorges of Yi Yerra and the revitalising waters of the thermal springs found there. You can soothe your aching muscles before rejoining your 4WD vehicles and drivers for a visit to the Gouro oasis on the return to N’Djamena.

Teammates must be comfortable with the following:

Minimum fitness requirements

• Trek: up to 25km per day across rocky, sandy terrain.
• Daily activity: up to 10hrs per day.
• Carry: up to 10kg in a day sack including water, layers and food.
• Swim: not required!
• Climate: very hot and dry, cooler nights.
• Age: 21+

Kit list

A full kit list will be supplied to applicants in the Expedition Handbook. If required Secret Compass will supply tents. Teammates should consider their kit in good time in case buying, hiring or shipping is required. Read your Handbook and factor into your packing (and training schedule) any additional space or weight as necessary. For this expedition, appropriate desert boots that are broken in and comfortable are of paramount importance. Ongoing foot care on expedition will be vital. As a Secret Compass team member you get discounts at a number of specialist stores, the details of which are provided upon booking.

Getting ready for departure

The Get Ready section clarifies what you need to consider in advance of departure. It has advice on things like fitness, flights, insurance and kit.

Not included

• International flights/ travel to and from Chad.
• Travel insurance (obligatory).
• Chad Visa if required.
• Tips to local guides (discretionary).
• Personal equipment (full kit list in the Handbook).

Can we leave a flight bag anywhere?

You’ll be able to leave a small bag in N’Djamena with any items you won’t need during the trek. This will be at your own risk.

Will my camera work in the heat?

Cameras should not be that affected by the heat and dryness, but if it reaches over 45 degrees they might struggle. Your best bet is to keep your camera in its bag until you use it and don’t keep in the direct sunlight for too long. The main problem is the sand itself. Grains can easily get into the lens systems, particularly compact cameras with zoom lenses.

Cameras with electronic lens covers are most at risk. The best cameras to use are sealed waterproof cameras which have no external working lenses so no sand can egress them. If using an SLR, then take care to prevent sand getting into a lens housing. Using Prime fixed focal length lenses can help. Take a small paintbrush, a puffer bottle or, even better, a compressed air canister (probably bought in-country if flying in) to blow away sand and grit from moving parts. Take care around the sensor and never wipe this if sand is on the sensor. Take particular care if the wind is blowing or the sand is very fine.

Will our mobiles work?

There should be signal in N’Djamena. It is very unlikely that you will have signal in the desert. Secret Compass will have satellite phones and radios for emergency communications only.

Do I need to cover up?

Both men and women should wear loose fitting long-sleeved shirts and long trousers which cover their knees and shoulders (and cleavage for women), especially in towns and cities. In the desert shorts are acceptable, although the Toubou will consider you quite strange for wearing them! Your guides are very experienced with varying cultures and quite relaxed about dress code, but local customs must be respected when meeting locals.

What’s the currency in Chad?

The local currency is Central African Francs. Euros or USD can be exchanged for local currency at the hotel in N’Djamena. Debit/credit cards are not accepted and there are no ATMs. Please note there will be no access to money or ability to change currencies outside of the capital, so ensure you have sufficient change for personal spending (and recommended emergency fund $100-200) before we leave N’Djamena. This expedition is all-inclusive so you won’t need much money – only really if you want to buy some souvenirs on the way.

What desert boots do you recommend?

See further kit information in your Expedition Handbook but essentially, we recommend desert boots, in a brand that fits the shape of your foot. We recommend Alt-Berg desert boots if they suit your feet though shoe choice is personal choice.

Will we get to drive the 4WD vehicles?

No. Your guides will be in charge of driving at all times.

How can I find out more?

Apply for this expedition team using the button below to receive your Expedition Handbook with fuller details. View our General FAQ for useful tips. Secret Compass is then on hand to answer any questions or to firm up your place on the team.