Guelta de Bachikélé

Bachikélé is a guelta, a pool held in the rock of a canyon in the Ennedi that keeps water through the year in a region where almost nothing does, and the result is that everything alive for a long way around comes to it: camels brought by herders, baboons, birds and the desert antelope that survive in the massif. Canyon walls close in above the water and rock art occurs on them in places.

What you actually see

• The permanent pool - water held in the rock through the whole year.
• The canyon walls - the enclosed gorge the guelta sits in.
• The wildlife - camels, baboons and birds coming in to drink.
• The rock art - engravings and paintings on the walls nearby.

When to go

November to February is the cool season and the practical window. Wildlife concentrates most as the dry season advances. March to May is extremely hot.

Honest expectations

Swimming in gueltas is discouraged: they are the only water for wildlife and herds. Access requires a full expedition with guides. There is no infrastructure of any kind.

Nearby

Aloba Arch is nearby, and Guelta d'Archei is south.