Lakes of Ounianga- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

The Lakes of Ounianga, located in northeastern Chad's Sahara Desert, comprise 18 interconnected lakes spread across two groups: Ounianga Kébir and Ounianga Sérir. Covering a total area of about 20 square kilometers, these lakes vary in size, depth, and salinity, with the largest, Lake Yoa, reaching depths of 20 meters. Sustained by ancient groundwater from a deep aquifer, these lakes thrive despite receiving less than 2 millimeters of annual rainfall. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, the lakes offer insight into the region's climatic history and human adaptations to environmental change.