Chad Safaris

Chad may not be the first location that springs to mind when you plan your travel bucket list, but the wild experiences this remote destination offers are unparalleled. Unlike some other African safari destinations, Chad remains relatively untouched and a safari venturing into the rugged Zakouma National Park is truly unique. From arriving by light aircraft and seeing wildlife as you travel, to fly camping next to a waterhole and witnessing hundreds of bird species, you will enjoy intimate wildlife encounters throughout.

Why choose NWS for your Chad Safari?

Here at Natural World Safaris, our team of specialists can create tailor-made itineraries that are designed to meet your specific needs and interests. Whether you want to go on a wildlife safari, explore the country's culture, or simply relax on the beach, we can create an itinerary that is perfect for you. We are committed to responsible travel and sustainable tourism. Working closely with local communities and conservation organizations, we ensure that our trips have a positive impact on the environment and local people of Chad.

Unlike other safari operators, we can offer you exclusive experiences that you might not be able to find elsewhere. For example, private game drives, thrilling mobile camping adventures or guided tours of local villages are just the beginning of some of the special experiences we can include in your Chad itinerary.

How much does Chad cost?

For a 9-day safari in Chad, we recommend a starting price of £12000 per person. This will generally include private safari guides, the use of a fly-camp rig and two safari vehicles, as well as a range of exciting daily activities engaging with the African Parks Conservation Network.For a 6-day safari in Rwanda, we recommend a starting price of £6000 per person. This will generally include gorilla permits, accommodation and private guides. If you are looking to stay in some of Rwanda’s most iconic and best loved lodges, you’ll need to increase the budget to £20000 per person including private helicopter transfers, multiple gorilla permits and private guides.

As a truly frontier safari destination, Chad does not offer the luxury accommodation, well-maintained infrastructure and wealth of protected areas that can be found in some other African countries, like Kenya or South Africa. What it does offer is a sense of true, raw wilderness, particularly in the country's oldest national park, Zakouma. This 3,000km2 park was home to more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but years of intensive poaching reduced that number to no more than 450 by 2010. This was the year that Zakouma was taken over by the South African NGO African Parks, and with the implementation of increased security measures, specialist ranger training, satellite collaring of wildlife and community outreach events, the park's fortunes have taken a decided turn for the better. Chad offers the intrepid traveller the chance to step outside of the norm and explore one of Africa's last true wildernesses.

You may wish to include the following in your Chad itinerary:

• Conservation - Join in with daily activities, engaging with the African Parks Conservation Network
• Fly Camping - Explore Chad through the thrilling use of fly-camping
• Big Cat Tracking - Track the healthy resident lion population of Zakouma National Park
• Birding - Chad is home to over 500 species of bird
• Vast Plains - Roam Chad’s wild desert landscapes in search of African wildlife

Where to stay in Chad?

Chad offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. In the capital city of N'Djamena, there are hotels, guesthouses, and apartments available. Some popular options include Mercure N'Djamena le Chari, Radisson Blu N'Djamena, and Hôtel La Résidence. These hotels offer amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and business centers. Outside of N'Djamena, there are more rustic accommodations available such as tents and bungalows in national parks or traditional huts in rural areas. Some popular national parks to stay in include Zakouma National Park and Manda National Park.

When to go to Chad?

The best time to go to Chad is typically between November and May. The climate of Chad is variable throughout the year, ranging from torrential rains to scorching heat. The month in which you decide to visit will largely depend on your ability to deal with high temperatures, as the heat can rise to around 40ºC during the hotter months between May and October. The first few months of the year are slightly cooler, with an average temperature of around 25ºC and very little chance of rainfall. The only time that travel to Chad is not recommended is from June until October when the heavy rains pour, leaving Zakouma National Park flooded and completely impassable. During the months between November to May, the game viewing opportunities in Chad are spectacular.