Ubari Oases

One of the wonders of the south-western Fezzan are the Ubari oases with their palm fringed saline lakes. Around the lakes rise beautiful sand dunes. After crossing the desert a swim in the lake followed by a rinse with nearby fresh well water is a most wonderful experience. Often Tuareg traders stay near the oasis selling a variety of souvenirs.

Recent lowering of the water table has caused the water level in some of the Ubari lakes to drop. Mandara, once on of the biggest, is now almost dry. The drop in water level has been attributed to the Great Man Made River Project.

The oases lie only 30 kilometres north of Germa but the journey involves some difficult passages in the Ubari sand dunes – a good 4 WD vehicle is essential.