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.

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.