Plizio Visual Lab

Era Kohor Crater

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Era Kohor Crater is a massive caldera located at the summit of Emi Koussi, the highest mountain in Chad and the entire Sahara Desert. The crater measures approximately 12 by 15 kilometers in diameter and is about 600 meters deep. Inside this gigantic depression lies a smaller sub-crater and extensive deposits of natron (sodium carbonate), which give the floor a distinctive white appearance. The caldera's formation resulted from massive volcanic eruptions that caused the underlying magma chamber to collapse. Scientifically, Era Kohor is invaluable for studying North Africa's volcanic history and is often used as a terrestrial analog for Martian landscapes. The climate within the crater is extremely dry, though the high walls provide some shelter from desert winds. Due to the extreme elevation and remoteness, access is challenging and requires a multi-day expedition. Historically, natron from the crater floor was occasionally harvested by local groups. The interior landscape, with its white salt layers and dark lava walls, appears surreal and otherworldly.

Location: Chad
Nearby: Emi Koussi (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	13	16	20	24	27	28	28	28	26	22	17	14
Rain mm	0	0	0	0	1	1	2	9	1	0	0	0

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This extremely remote crater requires organizing a full-scale desert expedition with experienced local guides, usually departing from Faya-Largeau.

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Best season

Travel is practically limited to the dry and slightly cooler winter months from December to February to avoid the extreme and unbearable Saharan heat.

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Terrain & paths

The route involves traversing rugged mountainous terrain leading to a deep, steep-sided volcanic crater. The volcanic ground can be loose and unstable.

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What to bring

Heavy-duty trekking boots, extreme sun protection, robust camping gear, and all necessary provisions for complete self-reliance are absolutely vital.

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Parking

Vehicles must be securely left at established base camps in the caldera before attempting the final hiking ascent down into the actual crater area.

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Safety

Extreme isolation means no local rescue services are available. Profound temperature variations between day and night require careful preparation.

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Time needed

Expeditions to this remote region usually take one to two weeks, with approximately one to two days dedicated to exploring the immediate crater area.