Zakouma National Park with Cindi LaRaia - 2026

Chad is a landlocked country in the heart of northern Africa known for its striking desert landscapes and diverse range of African wildlife. As it lies well off the beaten tourist track, Chad is an ideal destination for intrepid travellers seeking a rugged African adventure. Most travellers begin their Chadian explorations in the capital city of N’Djamena, which boasts vibrant local markets and a historic quarter filled with old colonial buildings. This bustling commercial centre typically serves as a springboard for the surrounding area, which features spectacularly scenic natural attractions. These include, among others: the exquisite Lake Chad, the towering volcanic Tibesti Mountains, the otherworldly desert landscapes of Ennedi, and the lush expanse of wilderness teeming with wildlife known as the Zakouma National Park.

Currency: 
Local currency: CFA Franc  
Symbol: XAF 
ISO code: TCD 
Central bank: Bank of Central African States  
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: XAF 10 000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 
Coins: XAF 250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 1 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Sometimes; in N'Djamena   
Visa: Sometimes; in N'Djamena 
American Express: Sometimes; in N'Djamena 
Diner’s club: Sometimes; in N'Djamena 
 
Banking Hours: Monday to Thursday 7am-1pm; Friday 7am-10.30am 
Weekdays: Monday to Thursday 07h00 – 13h00; Fridays 07h00 - 10h30 

Weekends: No 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air:  
Main airlines:Tchadia Airlines 
International Airports: N'Djamena International Airport 
 
Road: 
Tar roads:Yes in N'Djamena 
Gravel roads: Yes. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are usually needed 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes, expensive 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: Some, in N'Djamena  
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes, minibuses 
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: No 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes if well cooked 
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine: Influenced by the nomadic lifestyle, the food in Chad is hearty and rich in protein such as fish and milk, and includes fewer grains than some other African countries. However, one of the most popular dishes is Bouillie or Boule, a porridge-type breakfast meal (usually) containing rice or wheat, milk, and peanut butter (often modified). Others include Marrara, a special-occasion stew made with goat offal and vegetables, and Peanut and Squash stew (made with sugar, salt, and chopped peanuts). The country is rich in fruit and vegetables.      
 

Drinks:   

Gala, or bilibili (homemade beer made from millet or sorghum, served in the south only as the northern part of the country is Muslim) 
Hibiscus tea  
Fruit juices 

Tipping: 10 % 

Annual rainfall: 76 cm 
Average temperature: 20-27°C in the winter and between 27-35°C in the summer 

Summer: 

Average Highs:  42°C  
Average Lows:  27°C

Winter: 

Average Highs: 30°C 
Average Lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: Visiting during the dry months (between October and March) will ensure ease of travel, as the roads can be difficult during the rainy season. However, it’s also worth noting that there are sometimes quite significant differences between regions.  

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, in N'Djamena   
Accommodation options:  Yes, in N'Djamena   
Restaurants:  Yes, in N'Djamena   
Cafes:  Yes, in N'Djamena   
Shopping malls: No 
Public parks: No 
Libraries:  Yes, in N'Djamena   

* Internet is not always reliable.