Lake Yoa

Lake Yoa is a lake in the Ennedi Ouest Department of Chad and is one of the Ounianga lakes in the Sahara. It is noted as part of a linked system of desert lakes in an otherwise hyper-arid region.

The lake is one element of the Ounianga lake group, which is internationally recognized for its rare permanent lakes sustained by fossil groundwater in a Sahara setting. The lakes attract scientific interest for hydrology and desert ecology.

The lakes in this area have existed for many centuries due to groundwater inputs and local geology rather than recent human construction; Lake Yoa’s persistence contrasts with the surrounding desert environment.

Lake Yoa is located in northeastern Chad’s Ennedi Plateau area; it lies within the broader Ounianga lake basin in the central Sahara.

• UNESCO inscription: Forms part of the Ounianga lakes system, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Visit as part of an organised tour from Faya or another regional hub: Lake Yoa is in a remote, protected complex of Ounianga lakes and overland access requires local logistics and experienced drivers.
• Plan your trip in the cooler months to avoid extreme heat, and be prepared for long desert drives; arranging local guides/permits and knowledgeable transport is essential for safety and access in Ennedi Ouest.