Our Chad travel guide for first timers aims to provide the necessary travel logistics including costs and contact information for the best affordbable Chad Tour Guides (that are much cheaper than traveling with the large agencies) along with other practical specifics to make your trip safe and fun.
Chad, one of Africa’s least-visited countries, remains a mystery to many travelers due to its challenging infrastructure, complex visa process, and rugged terrain.
However, for those willing to venture into this landlocked country, Chad offers unique cultural experiences, ancient history, and striking landscapes that are unlike any other.
As many of you know, we are chasing the all mighty 197 (countries)! Currently we are at 195 countries that we have visited as a married couple. Chad was our 194th country visited.
Our 2 day visit to N’Djamena, Gaoui Village and museum, Elephant Rock Chad and its surrounding areas encapsulated both the trials and rewards of exploring this part of Africa. We hope that our Chad travel guide for first timers helps you with your planning and fun adventure to Chad.
Chad History
For us, understanding the history of a place that we are visiting for the first time is important. Chad history is as diverse as its landscape. Here’s a glimpse into its fascinating past:
Ancient Beginnings: Human presence in Chad history dates back millennia, with evidence of early settlements and civilizations flourishing in the Sahara region. The Sao civilization, known for its distinctive pottery and social structures, thrived around Lake Chad from the 5th century BC to the 16th century AD.
Medieval Kingdoms: Powerful empires emerged in the Sahel region (a band of land stretching from Senegal eastward toward Sudan) during the medieval period. The Kanem-Bornu Empire, centered around Lake Chad, dominated the trans-Saharan trade routes for centuries, connecting North Africa with sub-Saharan regions. The Wadai Empire, established in the 16th century, also played a significant role in the region’s political and cultural landscape.
French Colonial Rule: France established its presence in Chad history in the late 19th century, consolidating its control by the early 20th century. Chad became part of French Equatorial Africa, and its resources were exploited to fuel the colonial economy. This is one of the darkest periods of Chad history.
Independence and Challenges: Chad gained independence in 1960, but its post-colonial history has been marked by political instability, ethnic tensions, and recurring conflicts. Droughts, economic hardship, and authoritarian rule have further contributed to the country’s challenges.
A Resilient Nation: Despite its turbulent past, Chad remains a country of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It has diverse ethnic groups, each with their own traditions and languages. The vast landscapes, from the Sahara Desert to the fertile savannas, offer stunning scenery and opportunities for adventure.
Today ,life in Chad is tough for many people. Poverty is a big problem, especially in the countryside where half the population struggles to get by. Many people lack basic things like food, clean water, and healthcare. Jobs are scarce, and the economy is struggling, making it hard to make ends meet.
While there are efforts to improve things, life in Chad is often a daily struggle for survival. People face challenges with limited resources, harsh living conditions, and ongoing conflicts continue in some areas.
Chad Travel Guide for First Timers: Logistics
There are many logistics to consider prior to starting your planning. Let’s discuss the major considerations in this Chad travel guide for first timers, from getting a visa for Chad, to safety concerns and the best time to visit Chad for safari and beyond. We also share our guide information and costs below.
Getting a Visa to Chad: An Adventure in Itself
Obtaining a visa to Chad is not an easy task. For frequent travelers like us, the idea of sending our passports to an embassy and waiting weeks for a visa was out of the question. Fortunately, our local guide arranged for a letter of invitation, which allowed us to use a fixer in Dubai.
This turned out to be one of the more interesting parts of our journey. We met the fixer in a hotel lobby in Dubai, handed him $400 per person and our passports, and waited for five hours while he worked his magic. True to his word, he returned with our visas, saving us a lot of hassle.
For other travelers considering Chad, securing a visa often requires either visiting a Chadian embassy (if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby) or enlisting the help of a local fixer. It’s essential to work with someone trustworthy and well-connected, as the visa process can be tricky, especially with last-minute changes.
Rafik Harifa was our fixer for the Chad visa in Dubai and here is his contact information:
Whats App info: +971 50 211 2502
Email: [email protected]
If you do not have an embassy in your home country and don’t feel like making that extra trip to Dubai like we did, you can visit the Chad Embassy in Paris. They are quite helpful, speak English and can provide a visa with a quick turn around time.
Best time to Visit Chad for Safari (and beyond)
The best time to visit Chad for safari and beyond is during the dry season, from December to April. This is when it rains the least, especially in the central and southern parts of the country. The roads to the national parks are in good condition, making it easier to get around and see the wildlife. Just remember that March and May are the hottest months!
The rainy season, which starts around May, makes traveling in Chad much harder. The dirt roads become super muddy and slippery, making it almost impossible to reach the parks. Some places even close down during this time. So, if you’re planning a safari in Chad, stick to the dry season.
Is Chad Travel Safe?
Safety in Chad is a serious concern for travelers. The country faces challenges with crime, terrorism, and unrest, especially since 2018. Violent crimes like robberies and carjackings are a real threat, and there’s a high risk of terrorist attacks that can happen anywhere with little to no warning. These attacks can target anyone, including tourists.
On top of that, there are areas along the borders with Libya and Sudan that still have landmines, and these haven’t all been found and marked. This makes traveling outside of main areas risky. It’s really important to be aware of these dangers and carefully consider the risks before traveling to Chad.
Please note, that it is imperative to register with the police within 72 hours of arrival in Chad. If you are staying longer than 72 hours in the country, your guide will take your passport and a passport style picture from you and take it to the local police headquarters to register you. So don’t be alarmed when that happens.
Chad Travel Infrastructure
Chad’s travel infrastructure remains a challenge. Roads are often in poor condition, especially outside N’Djamena, and many areas of the country lack reliable access to electricity, running water, or Wi-Fi. For travelers, this means being prepared for a rugged experience and packing accordingly.
PRO TIP: Bring a reliable portable power bank and if you need to have connectivity throughout consider a satellite phone.
Chad Travel Guides
For Chad travel there are not a lot of options for guides. We have heard mixed reviews about most of the guide services out there and they can be quite expensive. For our Letter of Invitation and guide organization we used:
Adolfo Guasti – What’s App: +235 62 77 44 96
The driver and the translator/guide were through EYTE’ TChad. If you want to contact them directly, they can be reached at [email protected]
Another great option is a local traxi driver who speaks English fluently and can make arrangements for a Letter of Invitation, military support, accommodations, transport to popular places mentioned below, etc.,
Azziz can be reached on What’s App: + 235 66 26 88 47 or +235 99 91 03 05 or on email: [email protected]
Chad Travel Costs
Although Chad is one of the poorest countries in the world, travel here is not cheap! Because the infrastructure is so lacking, everything is an effort and costs dearly. However, our 2 day tour including airport pickup and drop off and the Letter of Invitation only cost us 220 Euros each.
Our experience visiting Elephant Rock Chad was bumpy but memorable – we are glad that we went.. Our dedicated guide and driver navigated a truly terrible road for 10 hours round trip to get us there.
Later, we learned that other groups (YPT and Culture Roads) attempting the same trip on the same day turned back halfway due to the road conditions. They only made it to the Doughia Tourist Resort, missing out on Elephant Rock Chad entirely.
Booking our tour independently saved us nearly 1,000 euros per person, and we are so glad we persevered despite the challenging journey!
Chad Travel Guide for First Timers – Where to Go
There are many options for travelers seeking to discover this very large country. Our Chad travel guide for first timers aims to provide options for N’Djamena travel and beyond.
N’Djamena Travel: City Tour and Gaoui Village
Our journey started early with a flight from Cairo into N’Djamena, Chad’s capital city. N’Djamena, though not well-known for tourist attractions, has its own charm. We began by visiting the National Museum of Chad, a small but interesting museum that offers a peek into Chad history, including artifacts from the Sao civilization and even information on Sahelanthropus tchadensis, an ancient species believed to have lived in Chad between 6 and 7 million years ago.
From the museum, we headed to Gaoui Village, about 10 kilometers northeast of N’Djamena. Gaoui is known for its clay architecture and history as the former capital of the Sao civilization. The highlight here is the museum, which is housed in the original Sultan’s Palace.
Visitors can explore traditional Chadian houses made of mudbrick, and experience how the Sao people once lived. It’s an eye-opening experience, blending history and modern-day life in this peaceful village.
While N’Djamena itself may not be packed with famous landmarks, our guided tour provided valuable insight into the capital’s cultural and political life. We visited the Place de la Nation, the modest main public square where national events are held, and drove past several monuments that mark Chad history and independence. Though N’Djamena is relatively quiet compared to other African capitals, it is a vital center for Chad’s economy and government.
N’Djamena Travel – Hotel Recommendations
One of the more modern highlights of our visit was staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel. For travelers looking for the most comfortable stay in the city, this is the best option. The Radisson Blu offered spacious rooms, a fantastic breakfast buffet, and a swimming pool—an unexpected luxury in a city where infrastructure is still developing.
Other options for nice hotels for your N’Djamena travel tour are: Irrisor and La Residence. The Irrisor is cheaper than the Radisson Blu and La Residence which are both around 200 euros per night.
Day Trips from N’Djamena: Elephant Rock Chad and Doughia Tourist Resort
Chad’s most spectacular attractions are often located in remote areas, requiring lengthy overland travel. Since we were short on time and wanted to avoid the roughest roads, we opted for a manageable day trip outside the capital.
Elephant Rock Chad
Our day trip took us to Elephant Rock Chad, a massive rock formation that resembles an elephant. It’s located several hours (during our trip 5 hours one way) from N’Djamena, and the road to get there is among the roughest we’ve ever encountered in our global travels.
However, the dramatic rock formation is well worth the effort for geology enthusiasts or those who appreciate natural wonders. We were able to hike around the area, enjoying the scenery before embarking on the bumpy return journey.
Doughia Tourist Resort
On the way to Elephant Rock, we stopped at Doughia Tourist Resort, a lovely yet basic retreat located on the Chari River. The resort is known for its birdwatching opportunities, and we were lucky to spot several interesting species of birds during our visit.
The Chari River, which runs along the border of Chad and Cameroon, is also a significant geographical feature in this part of the country. For anyone interested in nature and outdoor activities, Doughia offers a peaceful stop on your way to Elephant Rock Chad.
4 Incredible Options – Outside of N’Djamena Travel
Lake Chad
For travelers with more time, a visit to Lake Chad is another option worth considering. Once one of Africa’s largest lakes, Lake Chad has shrunk considerably due to climate change and overuse of its water resources. The lake is located at the intersection of Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger.
While a trip to Lake Chad requires a longer trip from N’Djamena, the lake’s unique ecosystem and the traditional fishing communities that still live along its shores make it a fascinating destination. Several local tour operators (including the ones we recommend above) can arrange multi-day excursions to Lake Chad, offering boat rides, village visits, and opportunities to observe wildlife.
Zakouma National Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, a trip to Zakouma National Park is a must-do, although it requires more time and effort than a simple day trip from the capital. Located in southeastern Chad, Zakouma is one of Africa’s most successful conservation stories. Make sure to check out the best time to visit Chad for safari (above) prior to planning your trip to this park.
The park has seen a remarkable recovery in its elephant population after years of poaching, and it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and buffalo. The park is a 10-hour drive from N’Djamena, so a multi-day excursion is necessary, but the abundance of wildlife makes it one of Chad’s premier travel destinations.
Ennedi Massif
The Ennedi Massif is a truly remote and extraordinary destination, a sandstone wonderland sculpted by centuries of wind and water erosion. Located in the Sahara Desert, it is full of dramatic landscapes of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and natural arches.
Getting to this isolated region requires flying into Fada, the main town in the Ennedi region. There are currently no commercial flights available, so you’ll need to charter a small plane or join an organized tour that includes the flight. This adds to the cost of the trip, with charter flights typically ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 USD per plane.
Once you arrive in Fada, you can explore the Ennedi Massif with a 4×4 vehicle and experienced guides, as navigating the terrain can be challenging. The Guelta d’Archei, a natural oasis with a permanent water source, is a highlight, attracting both wildlife and nomadic communities. The region is also renowned for its ancient rock art, showcasing a fascinating glimpse into the Sahara’s history.
A trip to the Ennedi Massif is an adventure for the intrepid traveler, offering a unique combination of stunning landscapes, cultural encounters, and a sense of true isolation in one of the world’s most extreme environments. To some degree the Ennedi Massif is reminiscent of some of the amazing landscapes that we experienced in southern Algeria – in the Red Tadrart.
Gerewol Festival Chad
The Gerewol festival is a truly unique celebration held by the Wodaabe people, a nomadic group who are part of the larger Fulani ethnic group in Chad. This vibrant festival takes place once a year at the end of the rainy season, usually in September or October. It’s a week-long courtship ritual where the men go all out to impress the women.
Imagine this: men dressed in elaborate costumes, their faces painted with intricate designs, and their hair adorned with feathers and beads. They dance and sing for hours in the scorching heat, which can reach over 40°C (104°F), all to catch the eye of potential partners. They even try to make their eyes look wider and their teeth whiter to appear more attractive!
This captivating spectacle is a celebration of beauty, endurance, and tradition. It’s a chance for the Wodaabe people to come together, socialize, and find love. While the Gerewol is most well-known in Niger, similar festivals are also held by Wodaabe communities in Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
We attended the Gerewol Festival in Niger and wrote a post about all the logistics, guide information and money saving tips and tricks.
If you’re looking for a truly unique cultural experience, witnessing the Gerewol in either Chad or Niger is an adventure you won’t soon forget. Just be prepared for the heat and the remote location!
Wrap Up – Chad Travel Guide for First Timers
Chad’s travel infrastructure is a challenge. There are few amenities and roads are often in poor condition, especially outside N’Djamena travel. In addition, many areas of the country lack reliable access to electricity, running water, o evenr Wi-Fi.
For those seeking a more comfortable experience, focusing on the capital and nearby attractions like Elephant Rock Chad is a good option. However, those willing to endure long drives and basic accommodations will be rewarded with the chance to see some of Africa’s last remaining wildernesses in places like Zakouma National Park or Lake Chad.
In Chad, you can expect the unexpected. It’s not the easiest place to visit, but the rewards are immense for travelers with a sense of adventure. Our two-day itinerary gave us a taste of the country’s fascinating history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.
While we opted for a more manageable visit this time around, we hope to return one day to explore Chad’s more remote regions and experience its wilderness in full.
For anyone planning a visit to Chad, whether for a short trip or a longer adventure, the key is preparation. Ensure you have reliable guides, plan for delays and discomfort, and approach the trip with a flexible attitude. Chad offers an authentic travel experience far from the beaten path, and for those willing to venture there, it’s well worth the effort.
We hope that our Chad travel guide for first timers provided some practical information. If you have additional questions, please do reach out in the comments and we will do our best to provide more information.
And if you are curious about more comfortable travel through Africa, check out our latest post about the Best Budget Kenya Safari.
