The blue lakes
In the sand.
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center — Public domain · Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center — Public domain · Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center — Public domain · Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center — Public domain
The Lakes of Ounianga are a chain of lakes in the Sahara, in a basin between the western Tibesti and eastern Ennedi mountains of north-eastern Chad. UNESCO listed them as a World Heritage Site in 2012. Remarkably, they lie in a hyper-arid desert with under two millimetres of rain a year, yet they stay full of water. There are 18 lakes in two main groups: the Ounianga Kébir group, including Lake Yoa, the largest, and the Ounianga Sérir group 45 to 60 km to the south-east. Ancient groundwater feeds them. They vary in size, depth, chemistry and colour, from dark blue to green and red. From space you see dark lakes in orange sand, separated by long parallel dunes like fingers. On the ground the lakes look deep blue between golden dunes, some edged with green reeds and palms. The colour of the water changes from lake to lake. They are about 208 km from Fada in a straight line. Reaching them takes a very long journey by four-wheel drive with guides. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Chad's northern provinces, including this area, so read the current advice before any planning.
In the sand.
Like fingers.
Lake to lake.
North-eastern Chad, between Tibesti and Ennedi
Ancient groundwater feeds them despite almost no rain.
Yes, the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to the area.