Experience the classic Chad safari
Located in the Sahel Zone between Sudan and Nigeria, Chad is a vast country and Africa’s 5th largest country. Much of it sits right in the Sahara Desert and the Southern part of it is much wetter with typical Savannah type environments that you would see in other parts of Africa further South. Chad has been instrumental in spear heading the conservation of its incredible environments in this area of Africa and in doing so trying to push for more tourism to help finance and create employment around these areas. The tourism product is very much in its infancy, but it has created a ripple effect across West Africa with other countries following suit which is such a good news story for an area that generally generates sad news. Chad is the stronghold for several species like the Kordofan Giraffe and Northern Lion.
Get a taste of it all
Chad has a very limited range of tourist lodges, but this is slowly evolving with growing interest. There are reasonable city hotels in N’Djamena, a comfortable safari camp in Zakouma National Park and a couple of tented camp options through the Ennedi Plateau. In Chad you can have an incredible journey with few other tourists and genuine Africa all around as the people here see few outsiders. Zakouma National Park is outstanding and really should be on your bucket list, it offers a density of birdlife that is hard to match anywhere, the finest examples of wetlands on the planet and a volume and variety of mammals, including the Big 5 that will make each day a very special safari experience. The Ennedi Plateau has some of the most spectacular scenery you can see anywhere in the Sahara with fantastic wind and sand blown rock sculptures and amazing desert wildlife. Can you imagine seeing crocodiles in a small oasis of the Sahara!!
What you need
to know
Things that are worth knowing about when traveling to Chad
The Gerawol Festival
A festival rarely seen by tourists and done by the young men of the Wodaabe Tribe – It is typically performed at the end of September or early October to celebrate the harvest and more importantly mate selection. They dress up in all their finery with lots of face paints then open eyed and mouth expressions to fascinate the young ladies. This Semi Nomadic tribe live in the South West of Chad.
The Gaoui Palace
The Sultan of Gaoui lives not far outside of N’Djamena and this was prior to colonial occupation the seat of Government for this area. You can visit this quite easily from N’Djamena and visit the old mud brick palace which has some very basic displays and pictures of a bygone era. You can also watch the clay pots which they are famous for to this day in Chad, being made.
Horseracing in N’Djamena
This is a raw version of horseracing which is a blend between modern horseracing and the more traditional versions, but ultimately, who can get their horse around the track quickest. It is seemingly hectic with few rules but everyone seems to have fun and enjoy the spectacle on a Sunday outside N’Djamena, typically between December and May.
Discover Chad on safari
We specialise in custom designing your adventure from start to finish. However, sometimes you could use a little inspiration.
Zakouma National Park with Doug Macdonald - March 2027
This is a series of set date safaris to one of my favorite parks. Each departure is planned for a group of no more than 6 people and will be guided by Doug Macdonald. You would have 7 nights at Camp Tinga and one night in N'Djamena with air transfers to and from Zakouma. An excellent safari for those that have seen other parts of Africa and now looking for a different destination to explore. The wildlife and birding is outstanding with many species different from your more main stream destinations in Southern and East Africa.
8
nights
1
camps
Zakouma National Park - Camp Nomade
Camp Nomade has a wonderful location right on the edge of one of the most important wetlands of Zakouma National Park. This safari designed to be for like minded safari goers to enjoy an amazing destination in a great camp in a spectacular setting. The safari can also be set aside as a private safari for your own group of people or family to enjoy.
8
nights
1
camps
