Chad Completely land-locked, and well off-the-beaten-path for all but the hardiest of travellers; very unstable in the north |
Mali A country with a remarkable history and heritage; home to the ancient trade capitals and seats of learning of Djenné and Timbuktu |
Mauritania Interest for the traveller here is primarily centred on the Saharan dune regions |
Niger Similar in nature to neighbouring Mali and perhaps the most popular Sahelian country with travellers |
Sudan One of the largest countries in Africa and home to the world's oldest continuous major civilisations; sadly very prone to conflict in recent years |