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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Yes, most people travelling to Chad need a visa.
Chad now has an official e-visa system, which was introduced in 2025, although the system can differ depending on your nationality. At certain times the country can sometimes prevent certain nationalities visiting Chad.
The visa process is something Untamed Borders can assist with. For the latest information about travelling to Chad, please email info@untamedborders.com.
Independent travel in Chad is not recommended for most visitors.
While it may be possible to arrive independently in N’Djamena, travel beyond the capital usually requires careful planning, permits, local contacts and reliable transport.
Chad is a vast country with limited tourist infrastructure, long distances, challenging roads and remote regions where fuel, accommodation and communications may be limited.
Security conditions also vary significantly across the country. Some areas are affected by terrorism, rebel activity, landmines, cross-border instability and restrictions on movement - it is key to travel with an experienced tour operator to fully understand where you can and can’t go.
Checkpoints are common and permits may be required for certain regions, particularly outside N’Djamena. Travelling with a guide ensures your paperwork is in order and you pass the checkpoints smoothly.
For this reason, most international visitors travel in Chad as part of an organised trip, using specialist operators, such as Untamed Borders, who understand the logistics, security environment and permissions required.
The best time to visit Chad depends on which part of the country you plan to explore.
Chad is a vast country stretching from the Sahara Desert in the north, through the Sahel, to greener savannah landscapes in the south.
Conditions in the Ennedi, N’Djamena and Zakouma National Park can vary significantly depending on the season.
In general, the most comfortable time to visit Chad is during the dry season, from roughly November to March, when temperatures are more manageable and travel conditions are at their best.
Winter / Dry Season (November – February)
This is widely considered the best time to travel to Chad.
Temperatures are cooler than at other times of year, skies are generally clear and road conditions are more reliable. This is the best period for exploring desert landscapes, including the Ennedi region, as well as cultural sites and markets around N’Djamena.
We plan our Chad group trip to the country at this time of year, to make the most of the favourable conditions - heading out into the Ennedi Massif.
Nights in the desert can become surprisingly cold though, particularly in remote areas, so warm layers are still required.
For wildlife-focused trips, this is also an excellent time to visit Zakouma National Park. As the dry season progresses, animals are increasingly drawn towards remaining water sources, making wildlife viewing more rewarding.
Spring / Hot Season (March – May)
From March onwards, temperatures rise significantly across much of Chad.
This period can still be rewarding for experienced travellers, particularly in Zakouma, where late dry season wildlife viewing can be excellent. However, the heat becomes increasingly intense, especially in N’Djamena, the Sahel and desert regions.
By April and May, daytime temperatures can be extremely high and travel becomes more physically demanding.
Summer / Rainy Season (June – September)
The rainy season affects much of central and southern Chad, although rainfall varies considerably by region.
In the south, heavy rain can make roads difficult or impossible to use. Some remote areas become harder to access and overland journeys can take much longer than expected.
The desert north receives far less rain, but intense heat and logistical challenges mean this is generally not a comfortable time to be travelling in this part of the country..
Autumn / Early Dry Season (October)
October is a transitional month.
Rains begin to ease in many areas and landscapes can still be green, particularly further south. However, some routes may remain difficult after the rains and conditions can vary from year to year.
For many travellers, November onwards is a more reliable time to visit.
Most international visitors arrive in Chad by air via N’Djamena International Airport, the country’s main international gateway.
Most of our guests who travel to Chad usually require a stopover as there are very few direct flights. The main carriers serving the country are Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, Air France and Royal Air Maroc, with connections to Addias Ababa, Paris, Istanbul and Cairo. These are often the best routes for international visitors.
From N’Djamena, onward travel within Chad is usually arranged by road or charter flight, depending on the itinerary and security situation.
Travelling overland in Chad requires careful planning, permits, local contacts and up-to-date security knowledge. Distances are vast, roads can be challenging and fuel, accommodation and mechanical support may be extremely limited outside major towns.
Overland Travel to Chad
Chad shares borders with Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger.
However, most of Chad’s land borders are not straightforward tourist entry points. Some border regions are affected by insecurity, conflict spillover, rebel activity or restrictions on movement.
The Lake Chad region, the border with Sudan, and northern desert borders towards Libya and Niger are particularly sensitive and should not be considered casual overland routes.
Historically, Chad formed part of some of Africa’s great trans-Saharan and Sahelian overland journeys, linking North Africa, Central Africa and West Africa. Today, however, overland travel requires specialist planning and should only be attempted with experienced local support.
As border regulations and security conditions can change rapidly, travellers should always seek current advice before planning overland travel to Chad. For the latest details, please email - info@untamedborders.com.
Chad is one of Africa’s most adventurous and least-visited destinations, but travel there requires careful planning, flexibility and experienced local knowledge.
The security situation varies significantly between regions - some, such as the Ennedi, can be travelled in safely, as long as you have the right support and guidance.
However, other areas have significant security challenges, including risks from armed groups, landmines and cross-border instability - particularly around the Lake Chad region.
Even in areas which are relatively more stable, travel in Chad presents challenges - including long drives, in remote settings, on poor quality roads, with limited infrastructure and connectivity. This in itself creates hurdles for travellers to overcome and travelling with experienced tour operators helps manage this.
For those prepared for the realities of travel in the country, Chad offers some of the most remarkable desert scenery and wildlife experiences in Africa.
Chad is a predominantly Muslim country, particularly in the north and centre, and visitors should dress modestly throughout their trip.
Women should wear loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders, upper arms and legs. A headscarf is not generally required at all times, but it is useful to carry one for religious sites, conservative communities and rural areas.
Men should wear long trousers and shirts that cover the shoulders. Shorts are not acceptable in public settings.
In desert regions such as the Ennedi, lightweight, breathable clothing is essential during the day. A scarf or buff is useful for dust, sun and wind too.
Warm layers are also important, as desert nights can be cold, especially during the winter months.
For Zakouma and other wildlife areas, neutral-coloured clothing, sturdy footwear, sun protection and insect repellent are recommended.
Chad remains a predominantly cash-based society and the local currency is the Central African CFA franc, used by several countries in the region.
International bank cards are not widely accepted and ATMs can be unreliable, especially outside N’Djamena. Travellers should not expect to rely on cards for daily payments.
Visitors should bring sufficient cash for their trip, usually in Euros or US Dollars, which can be exchanged locally. Notes should be clean, undamaged and preferably recent issued.
The Untamed Borders team will be able to assist guests in changing money, within the country.
Chad has two official languages: French and Arabic.
French is widely used in government, administration, education and formal settings. Chadian Arabic is widely spoken as the day to day conversational language.
Chad is also one of Africa’s most linguistically diverse countries, with more than 100 local languages spoken across different regions and communities.
In the north and east, languages associated with Saharan and Sahelian communities are spoken, while southern Chad has a different linguistic and cultural landscape.
English is not widely spoken outside of the tourism sector.
Internet access in Chad is limited compared with many other countries.
In N’Djamena, mobile data is available and some hotels, cafés and offices may offer Wi-Fi. However, speeds can be slow and connections unreliable.
Outside the capital, internet access becomes much more limited. In remote areas, including desert regions and national parks, travellers should expect little or no connectivity. Mobile coverage can disappear completely during long overland journeys.
Travellers should download maps, travel documents, entertainment, translation tools and important contact details before leaving N’Djamena.
Anyone travelling to remote parts of Chad should assume they may be offline for extended periods.
Chadian food reflects the country’s position between North Africa, the Sahara, the Sahel and Central Africa.
Meals are often simple, hearty and based around grains, meat, fish, sauces and seasonal vegetables. Millet, sorghum, rice and maize are common staples, while meat dishes often feature goat, beef, chicken or fish depending on the region.
Some dishes and foods visitors may encounter include:
Tea is an important part of hospitality, particularly in desert and Sahelian communities. Strong, sweet tea is often served in small glasses and shared socially.
In remote areas, food options can be basic and repetitive. Travellers should be prepared for simple meals, especially during desert expeditions and long overland journeys.
Islam and Christianity are the two main religions practised in Chad.
Islam is particularly dominant in the north, centre and east of the country. Christianity is more common in the south, alongside traditional belief systems and local spiritual practices.
Religious identity in Chad often reflects the country’s broad geographic and cultural divide between the Saharan and Sahelian north and the more southerly regions.
Visitors will encounter mosques in many towns and villages, while churches are more common in the south and in parts of N’Djamena.
Religion plays an important role in daily life and travellers should behave respectfully around religious sites, prayer times, festivals and local customs.
The Dazzle of the Light – Paul Salopek
Part of Salopek’s Out of Eden Walk writing, which includes reflections on the Sahel, Lake Chad region and the human geography of this part of Africa.. We guided Paul on a different stage of his epic journey across the world, providing on the ground logistics in Afghanistan.
Chad: A Nation in Search of Its Future – Mario J. Azevedo
A useful overview of Chad’s modern history, politics, ethnic complexity and post-independence struggles.
A History of the Central African Republic and Chad – Pierre Kalck
A useful historical resource for understanding Chad in its wider regional context, particularly its links with Central Africa and French colonial rule.
Nomads of the Sahara – Various authors / photographic collections
Books on Saharan nomadic life help provide context for the communities, landscapes and survival strategies encountered in northern Chad.
African Parks: Zakouma National Park films and short documentaries
African Parks has produced excellent short films and online material about Zakouma National Park, its conservation recovery and the return of wildlife populations.
The Last Lions of Zakouma
Documentary material about Zakouma’s wildlife and conservation challenges, particularly the protection of elephants and large mammals in south-eastern Chad.
BBC / National Geographic Sahara documentaries
Several Sahara-focused documentaries include landscapes, cultures and ecological themes relevant to northern Chad, even when Chad is not the sole focus.
Human Planet / Sahara and Sahel episodes
While not always focused exclusively on Chad, these programmes help explain life in extreme desert and Sahelian environments similar to those found across the country.
