Guelta d'Archei

 water, petroglyph, wetland, oasis

A guelta is what the Arabs call natural water reservoirs, which are formed when groundwater rises to the surface, normally taking advantage of the channel of a dry river. The Guelta d'Archei is undoubtedly the most famous and well-known guelta in Chad and in all of Central Africa. This upwelling of water is like an oasis in the middle of the desert of sand and stone that make up the Ennedi Plateau, northeast of Chad. This species of canyon with high walls and great beauty, houses the last specimens of crocodiles in this part of Africa. The guelta d'Archei is frequented, every day, by hundreds of dromedaries and other domestic animals who are taken to drink the water that keeps them alive. It can be accessed through the river bed or make a detour and climb the canyon slopes until you get spectacular views from above and with all the camels drinking water at the bottom of the ravine. A paradise for adventurers and photographers.
At the entrance to the guelta, on the right-hand side and under the protection of a large cave, you can find cave paintings or petroglyphs that bear witness to how past times were in this place.