Chad, Chad - Travel Guide

Chad is one of the world's most remote and least-visited destinations, offering extraordinary Saharan landscapes in the Ennedi Plateau with natural rock arches and prehistoric cave art, the volcanic Tibesti Mountains, and surprisingly good wildlife viewing at Zakouma National Park. This is expedition-level travel for those seeking true adventure far from any tourist trail.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay14 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$400/day

Known For

chadennedisaharatibestindjamenazakoumarock_artdesertexpeditionoff_gridadventurecentral_africalake_chadnomadscamel_caravansnatural_archesprehistoric_artremoteoverlandingsafariwildlife

🇹🇩 Country Information: Chad

CapitalN'Djamena

CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (FCFA)

Language Arabic, French , Sara, Ngambay, Moundang, Moussei, Massa, Fulani, Kanembu, Gorane

Phone Code+235

Electricity220V (Type C, D, E, F)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not widely practiced in informal settings, but appreciated in tourist
oriented services
For guides and drivers, a small tip (e
g
, 5
10% of the service cost) is appropriate if service is good
In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is sufficient

Money & Payments

ATMs are available in major cities but can be unreliable; it's advisable to carry cash
Credit cards are rarely accepted, primarily only in high
end hotels in N'Djamena
Bringing USD or Euros for exchange is highly recommended
There is an informal currency exchange market, but official bureaux de change are safer

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially outside of N'Djamena; shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people
When greeting, a handshake is common, and it is polite to use your right hand
During meals, avoid using your left hand, as it is considered unclean

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal in Chad and punishable by law. There is no legal recognition for LGBTQ+ partnerships.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Alcohol is available but consumption can be limited in certain areas, especially during religious holidays
Drug laws are strict, and penalties for drug offenses are severe

Special Laws

Photography of government buildings, military installations, and police stations is strictly prohibited
It is illegal to buy or export raw gold or uncut diamonds without proper authorization
Respect local customs and traditions, particularly regarding dress code and religious practices

Common Phrases

NoLa (la) لا

YesNa'am (na-am) نعم

HelloSalam alaykum (salam ah-lay-koom) السلام عليكم

PleaseMin fadlik (min fad-lick) من فضلك

Excuse meAfwan (af-wan) عفوا

Thank youShukran (shook-ran) شكرا

Climate

Extreme Saharan climate in north (very hot, minimal rain). Sahel climate in center with wet season June-October. South has more tropical patterns. Temperatures can exceed 120°F (49°C) in summer in desert regions. Winter (November-February) most pleasant.

Best Time to Visit

Best Season: November
February (cool, dry, accessible)
Rainy Season: June
September (south impassable)
Hot Season: March
May (extreme heat)
Expedition Season: November
March

Getting There

N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ) has connections from Paris (Air France), Addis Ababa, Cairo, and regional African cities
Visa required
obtain in advance
No reliable overland routes due to regional instability
Entry via organized expedition highly recommended

Getting Around

Movement around Chad requires 4WD vehicles with experienced drivers and guides
this is not a destination for independent travel
Domestic flights very limited
Roads outside N'Djamena are mostly unpaved tracks
Fuel stations rare in remote areas
Travel in convoy recommended

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow Fever certificate mandatory
Malaria prophylaxis essential
Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid required
Meningitis vaccine required
Rabies recommended for remote travel
Bring ALL medications
virtually no pharmacies

Staying Connected

Very limited mobile coverage in N'Djamena only
No coverage in desert regions
eSIM will not work
Satellite phone recommended for expeditions
Internet very limited even in capital

Local Cuisine

Boule must_try

Thick millet or sorghum porridge, the staple carbohydrate of Chad. Eaten with stews and sauces, using hands to scoop.

Daraba must_try

Okra-based stew with dried fish or meat, served over boule. Slimy texture that's an acquired taste but beloved locally.

Grilled Meat local_favorite

Beef, goat, or camel grilled over charcoal and served with spicy sauce. Simple but delicious protein source throughout the country.

Jus de Fruit local_favorite

Fresh fruit juices from mango, guava, tamarind, or ginger. Essential hydration in the heat.

Expedition Food must_try

On desert expeditions, expect simple but hearty food: canned goods, rice, pasta, fresh bread when available, and lots of tea.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Organized Expedition tour_or_activity

Book 6-12 months in advance

Chad requires organized expedition with vehicles, guides, permits. Very few operators. Book 6-12 months ahead.

Visa visa

Apply 2-4 months in advance

Chad visas require invitation letter from operator and advance application.

Fun Facts

1. Lake Chad was once one of the world's largest lakes - the sixth largest - but has shrunk by 90% since the 1960s.
2. The Ennedi Plateau contains ancient rock art dating back 7,000 years, depicting swimming humans and crocodiles when the Sahara was green.
3. Chad has more than 200 ethnic groups and over 100 languages spoken.
4. The country's name comes from a local word meaning "large body of water."

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