Geotouristic features of Mongo and vicinities (Guera, Chad): case of granite geomorphosites

Abstract

Abstract The Republic of Chad is located in a wide Pan-African unstable setting that has been established through the Pan-African orogeny from 750 to 550 Ma. It is made up of Precambrian rocks found in the middle of Chad, pointedly in Mongo (Region of Guera). These rocks are mainly plutonic, including granites. Granite outcrops are geomorphosites whose study for geotouristic perspectives can arguably contribute to their promotion and exploitation. Hence, to achieve this aim, several work steps, including field work and laboratory studies with the aid of appropriate materials and methods have been adopted. The main results obtained from this work show that the study plot is made up of diverse granite inselbergs bearing impressive features. The Reine de Guéra is an inselberg, looking like a lying lady. Inselbergs bear certain vertical features that encompass several shelters, boulders, tors, and pedestal rocks, distributed on their slopes and piedmont. Pedestal rocks are subcircular to circular in shape, ranging from 300 cm to 2 m in diameter and reach over 2 m high. Boulders shapes are quite different and their sizes span from 2 to 6 m. Shelters shapes are heterogeneous; their unique entrance is somehow small, but their depth is several meters. Flatrocks are several square metres in area and show numerous centimetric circular tafoni that enhance their attractiveness. Even if the Reine de Guéra is the utmost tourist asset of the region, the rest of inselbergs through their exceptional aesthetic, educational, recreational, and cultural values, constitute relevant geotouristic trumps. The implementation of geotourism could be a sustainable tool for the valorisation of geomorphosites while improving the economic level of the Mongo and its vicinities.

Keywords

• Mongo
• Granite inselbergs
• Pedestals rocks
• Tors
• Flatrocks
• Geotourism