After days of travel across the Ténéré, the palms of Bilma appear on the horizon before anything else — a smear of dark green that doesn't quite make sense against all that sand and rock. The springs themselves feed a cluster of gardens and channels around the edge of town, shaded by date palms that have been tended here for generations. It is genuinely lush by Saharan standards, and the contrast with the surrounding desert is sharp enough to be disorienting. Sitting in the shade after a long crossing is one of those simple experiences that travel in extreme environments makes possible.
The springs are used daily by local residents for drinking water, washing, and irrigation, so treat the area with appropriate care and don't wade in or disturb the channels. The gardens around the springs produce dates and a few vegetables — you may be able to buy dates directly from growers if you ask around. There is nothing here in the way of a formal attraction or viewpoint; the springs are simply part of how Bilma functions, which is exactly what makes them worth a quiet hour of your time.