Zouar

Zouar sits on the southwestern approach to the Tibesti where the mountains give out into sand, an oasis with date palms and gardens fed by wells and a scatter of low buildings among them. It is one of the few settled points on the western side of the massif and functions as a staging place for anything going further in. Dunes press against the palm groves on the outer side of the settlement.

What you actually see

• The palm groves - the date cultivation the wells support.
• The dune edge - sand pressing up against the gardens on the outer side.
• The mountain approach - the point where the Tibesti gives out into desert.
• The staging role - a settled point on the western route into the massif.

When to go

November to February is the cool season. March to May is extremely hot. Access requires permits and a desert expedition.

Honest expectations

The town is very small with almost no facilities. Permits for the Tibesti region are required and hard to obtain. The overland journey is long and demanding.

Nearby

Bardaï is northeast, and Faya-Largeau is southeast.