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Meridiela.

Mourdi Depression

A long desert trough between the Ennedi and the Tibesti, on the old caravan route.

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Typedepression
WhereEnnedi and Borkou
Nearest cityFaya-Largeau
Best seasonNovember to February
Time to allowTwo to three days
Getting thereBetween the Ennedi and Tibesti; four-wheel drive expedition with guides
EntryPermits and guides required

The Mourdi is a long depression running between the Ennedi and the Tibesti, a trough of gravel, sand and salt flat with sandstone escarpments on its flanks, and the old caravan route between Kufra in Libya and the Ennedi ran through it. Fossil material and Neolithic artefacts occur on its surface, left from when the region was wetter. There is no settlement anywhere in it.

What you actually see

  • The trough - a long depression running between the two great massifs.
  • The escarpments - the sandstone walls on the flanks.
  • The caravan route - the old line between Kufra and the Ennedi.
  • The surface material - fossils and Neolithic artefacts from a wetter period.

When to go

November to February is the cool season and the only practical window. March to May is extremely hot. Navigation is difficult at any season.

Honest expectations

There is no settlement, water or fuel anywhere in the depression; this is a full desert crossing. Guides who know the ground are essential. Surface artefacts are protected and must not be collected.

Nearby

Fada is southeast, and Faya-Largeau is southwest.

What to pack for Mourdi Depression

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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