Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in north-central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the south-west, Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west

Virtually unvisited for three decades due to a series of civil wars, the last of which ended in 2010, the country has finally reached a level of stability and is opening up to travelers, albeit under certain conditions which the traveler would do well to understand.

By definition, the choice is limited in Chad. Currently, despite rumors of Enedi in the north opening up, Chad remains complicated at the time of writing and Zakouma is the only place you can realistically expect to visit on a pre-arranged safari. However, the resounding success story in terms of conservation is Zakouma National Park, brought back from the brink by Africa Parks, this rich and diverse park is well worth a visit.

Zakouma has been off-limits for the last three decades – tantalizingly however it’s possible to visit this important wilderness once again. Zakouma is, in parts, strongly reminiscent of some of its better-known peers – the Bahr Salamat looks like the Luangwa River with its sand-bars and nesting Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, while its concentrations of enormous crocodile are comparable to the Katuma in Katavi.

It provides an eccentric mix of the familiar with the unusual. The most remarkable thing about Zakouma is the work of Africa Parks on the conservation front; it has been hauled back from basket-case status to that of a viable national park and those who will gain most from visiting (and be most welcomed) are those looking to be involved as serious donors with the project. Conservation and rarity value aside – it is worth taking a clear-eyed look at the safari experience in Zakouma and asking all but the most committed whether the additional cost is justified by the experience on offer.

How to get to Chad

N’Djamena International Airport is an international airport serving N’Djamena, the capital city of Chad. It is the country’s only international airport. The airport is dual-use, with civilian and military installations on opposite sides of the single runway

Air France flights	Ethiopian Airlines flights
Delta flights	Royal Air Maroc flights
Turkish Airlines flights	ASKY Airlines flights

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Chad

Passport: Must have 2 blank pages and valid for six months after entry into the country. Visa: Must be obtained before traveling. Immunizations: World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination.

Only the citizens of 14 countries can enter Chad without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days. Visas on arrival are available, but just for people who are given an Entry Authorization letter issued by the authorities of Chad before departure.

The health sector of Chad

As one of the poorest countries in the world, Chad has very limited healthcare resources, with only 4 physicians per 100,000 populations, just one-sixth of the low regional average. The country is heavily reliant on humanitarian aid to cover a significant portion of its healthcare costs.

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Chad

Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission anyone above 9 months of age, including the transit of more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission. Recommended for all travelers above 9 months of age traveling to areas south of the Sahara Desert.

Malaria is a risk in Chad and travelers must travel with anti-malarial drugs and sleep under mosquito nets while in Chad.

Currency of Chad

Central African CFA Franc currency CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc (XAF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XAF10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XAF250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Chad is part of the French Monetary Area.

Official Language of Chad

French and Arabic are the official languages of Chad (1997). However, there are over 100 languages spoken in Chad (Chad: A Country Study, 1990, 45). According to Chad: A Country Study, the dominant language of education was French from the beginning of the colonial period.

Best time to travel to Chad

The dry months from Oct/Nov to March are the best time to visit Chad – the rains may live up the arid landscape but they wreak havoc with the largely unpaved roads and traveling north is virtually impossible. The rains are shorter in the Sahel northwards – lasting roughly June-Sep.

What to wear in Chad

Traditional Chadian Arab attire such as long robes called jalabiyas are worn by men in public, along with white turban-like headgear known as a tagiya. Muslim men wear outfits consisting of long robes with matching pants known as boubous, and in the southern tribes, they wear tunic outfits called complets.

What to bring while traveling to Chad

Here are some of the basics to park while traveling to Chad for a vacation

• Pairs of pants (Wear one on the place and pack the other)
•  Tops (Wear one and pack two.)
• Sweater (Wear it.)
• Pair of Pajamas or workout clothes.
• Scarf (Wear it.)
• Pair of underwear.
• Pair of socks.
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Cash (new bank Notes)

Car hire and driving in Chad

Chad officially the Republic of Chad is a landlocked country in Central Africa. Self-Driving in chad seems not to even exist and so just be aware that this means it’s not safe to Hire a car for Self-drive but if you really need to for some reason then hire a local driver.

Accommodation in Chad

The capital and largest city are N’Djamena you will find good accommodation here but outside the main cities, it’s very difficult to get proper accommodation so while traveling to Chad ensure you pre-book accommodation facilities.

Local food of Chad

Chadians use a medium variety of grains, vegetables, fruits, and meats. Commonly consumed grains include millet, sorghum, and rice as staple foods. Commonly eaten vegetables include okra and cassava. A variety of fruits are also eaten.

Tipping while Travelling in Chad

Service charges aren’t usually included in restaurants and tips of about 10 percent are appreciated. Taxi fares should be rounded up if the service is good.  And for safari guides contact us at Wilderness Explorers Africa.

Further information for Chad

Chad has emerged from war to provide a safe haven for refugees. Although a four-year civil war only ended in 2010, Chad is now the seventh most important refugee-hosting country in the world with over 440,600 refugees, most of whom fled conflict in neighboring Sudan. In the past five months alone, some 30,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed the border into Chad. There are also some 80,000 refugees from previous crises in CAR. In total, there are some 20 refugee camps in the east and south of Chad.

Safety of Chad

Chad is extremely dangerous due to the risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and violent crime. If you decide to go anyway seek professional security advice.

Terrorist attacks are a major risk in Chad, especially by the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram.

Traveling on your own is not advised rather book an organized safari package with a local guide who will help you during your stay in Chad.

Aouk National Park

Zakouma National Park

Goz Beïda National Park

Manda National Park

Sena Oura National Park

Bahr Salamat Faunal Reserve

Wildlife

Birds

Vegetation

7 Days Discover Chad safaris

7 Days Experience Chad safaris

9 Days Chad wildlife safari

Discover beach N’Djamena Chad

Explore Chari River in Chad

Safaris tours Lake Chad

Safaris tours Lakes Of Ounianga

Safaris tours Tibesti Mountains

Tours to Abeche Cultural centre Chad

Visit Ennedi desert Region

Visit Guelta d’Archei Canyon in Chad

Visit the Chad National Museum