Chad

Introduction

Chad’s large size spans three geographic areas; the Sahara Desert in the North, Sudanian Savanna in the South and the Sahel in the middle. The capital, N’Djamena straddles the Savanna and Sahel close to the border of Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger. In the Sudanian Savanna region of Salamat, the Zakouma National Park having suffered through years of conflict is seeing numbers of elephants and lions calling the park home slowly increase. The real highlights are however in the Saharan desert to the North. Among the maze of gorges, passages and canyons, of the Ennedi Plateau nomadic herders bring their camels to drink in crocodile infested pools while resting under shelters decorated with ancient cave paintings. The Tibesti Mountains found in a barren landscape littered with craters and salt pits gives a moon-like feel among the wadis and high mountainous peaks.

Places of Interest

N’DJAMENA

N’Djamena-Chad N’Djamena, is Chad’s capital and largest city straddling the Savanna and Sahel regions. Partly destroyed by the civil war, the city holds great historical significance, particularly in the National Museum. The Chad National Museum houses one of the oldest human skulls estimated to date back approximately six million years. Other highlights include the cathedral, many mosques and markets. The fish market is definitely one not to be missed.

TIBESTI MOUNTAINS

Tibesti-Mountains-Chad The Tibesti Mountains are some of the highest in the Sahara at over 3000 meters. Situated in amongst the barren landscape the striking rock formations stand in strong contrast to the craters, salt pits and wadis. In amongst the mountainous peaks, gorges and canyons, prehistoric rock paintings can be found. The nomadic herders and their camels crowd the oases, for shade and crocodile-infested watering holes.

ENNEDI MOUNTAINS

Ennedi-Mountains-Chad Within the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve is a maze of gorges, passages and canyons that make up the Ennedi Massif. In amongst the monoliths nomadic herders bring their camels to drink in water pools of the wadis and oases, also the home of desert crocodiles. Hidden within the plateau ancient cave paintings can be found, granting the site UNESCO World Heritage status for its unique sandstone rock formations and historic works of art.

ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK

Zakouma-National-Park-chad Zakouma National Park, in the Sudanian Savanna region of Salamat, not only has an abundance of birds but also the ‘Big Five’. Continued efforts for conservation of the park have proven successful with the number of elephants, lions and Savanna buffalo slowly increasing. Best months to visit between November and May when the marshland dries up leaving a verdant landscape.

Fact File

VISAS

Visa required. A letter of invitation will be provided by Untamed Borders to assist in the application process.

WEATHER

Inter-tropical front. Desert climate in the North, semi-desert in the centre and tropical climate in the South with a wet season.

MONEY

For up to date exchange rates please have a look at www.xe.com

ELECTRICITY

Two prong European style system (type E and F/ Schuko). Three pronged style also found in India, Sri Lanka and African countries (type D).

WIFI

Very poor wifi connection/speed.

FOOD

Meat heavy dishes often served with flatbread.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is permitted and is widely available

LANGUAGE

French and Arabic

RELIGION

Approximately over half the population is Muslim and the other half is Christian.

DRESS CODE

No special dress code.

SAFETY & SECURITY

The FCO Advises against travel to Chad. Primarily this is due to anti-government forces operating in the country. We avoid travel to certain areas of the country and take precautions in the areas we do travel. Contact us for information on where we do and do not guide in this region and how we work to minimise risk for our guests and staff.

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