Soborom Hot Springs

Soborom sits on the flank of Tarso Voon in the Tibesti, an area of ground where sulphurous gas and hot water come up through the rock, staining it yellow, orange and white, with pools of boiling mud, steaming vents and a smell that carries a long way. Toubou people have used the springs medicinally for generations and still come to them. The ground in places is thin over hot mud and must be crossed carefully.

The landscape

• The fumaroles - the vents pushing sulphurous gas through the rock.
• The coloured ground - the yellow, orange and white staining across the field.
• The mud pools - the boiling ground within the field.
• The medicinal use - the Toubou tradition of coming to the springs.

When to go

November to February is the cool season and the practical window. March to May is extremely hot. The site smells strongly at any time.

Before you go

The crust is thin in places over boiling mud and stepping wrong causes serious burns; a guide who knows the ground is essential. Access requires a full Tibesti expedition. Gas concentrations can be dangerous in hollows.

Nearby

Bardaï is north, and Trou au Natron is northwest.

Key facts