The administrative center (chef-lieu) is the town of Kidal.

The cercle is divided into rural and urban communes, and below this, quarters/villages.

[2] The climate is typical Saharian with very little rainfall and large fluctuations in temperature.

[1] The mountain region of Adrar des Ifoghas was taken by French and Chadian forces on 22 February 2013 as part of the Northern Mali conflict.

The area of In Arab, near Anefif, was captured by MNLA forces on 29–30 March 2013.