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Things to Do in Chad

From the sandstone arches of the Ennedi Massif to elephant herds in Zakouma National Park - the essential sights, and how to keep your own record of them.

Travel guide - last updated September 2026

Chad remains one of the least-visited countries in Africa, and its Ennedi Massif - a UNESCO World Heritage desert plateau of wind-carved arches and ancient rock art - is genuinely comparable to Jordan's Wadi Rum in scale and drama, without anywhere near the visitor numbers. It's worth checking current regional conditions, which vary considerably across the country's different areas, before planning a trip. Here are 4 places worth building a trip around.

Top attractions

The sights most first-time visitors build an itinerary around.

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Ennedi Massif

A UNESCO World Heritage sandstone plateau in northeastern Chad, with natural rock arches, canyons and thousands of ancient rock art paintings depicting animals and human figures.

📍 Ennedi Region

🚉 The sandstone massif is 1,000km north-east of N'Djamena: expeditions drive four days each way by 4x4 convoy or charter a flight to Fada - there is no scheduled transport of any kind.

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Zakouma National Park

One of Central Africa's most successful conservation stories, with elephant populations having recovered significantly after intensive anti-poaching efforts over the past decade.

📍 Salamat Region

🚉 The park is 800km east of N'Djamena, reached by charter flight in two hours or a two-day 4x4 drive in the dry season; the park is closed entirely from June to October.

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Lake Chad

Once one of Africa's largest lakes, now significantly reduced in size, shared with Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, and historically a vital resource for the surrounding Sahel region.

📍 Lac Region, western Chad

🚉 The lake's Chadian shore is around Bol, reachable by road from N'Djamena in about six hours - check current advice, as the wider Lake Chad basin has a serious security problem.

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Tibesti Mountains

A remote volcanic mountain range in Chad's far north, home to the highest peak in the Sahara Desert - reaching it requires significant logistics and typically an experienced guide.

📍 Tibesti Region

🚉 The volcanic range on the Libyan border is effectively closed to visitors: permits are rarely granted, the area is militarised and mined, and most governments advise against all travel there.

Mark Chad, get the stamp

🇹🇩CHADVISITED

🇹🇩CHADLIVED

🇹🇩CHADWISHLIST

In MyPassportStory, every country you mark - visited, lived in, or still on the list - becomes a stamp like these in your own travel passport. Add the cities you stopped in, draw the route between them, and turn the whole trip into a shareable passport-style image.

Open MyPassportStory

Planning questions

How many days do you need in Chad?

A trip to the Ennedi Massif alone typically needs 7-10 days given the remote overland travel involved; a safari at Zakouma can be done in 4-5 days separately.

What's the best time to visit Chad?

November-February is the dry, cooler season and the most practical time for both desert travel to Ennedi and wildlife viewing at Zakouma.

Is Chad good for a first-time visit?

It rewards significant preparation - it's worth checking current regional safety conditions carefully, as they vary across different parts of the country, and travel to remote regions like Ennedi is almost always arranged through a specialized tour operator.

Do I need a visa to visit Chad?

Most nationalities need a visa, typically an e-visa applied for online in advance. Check the official visa information for your nationality: consulat.gouv.td.

What are some things to do in Chad on a tight budget?

Chad's remote logistics make organized tours the norm rather than independent budget travel, though joining a shared-group expedition to Ennedi costs considerably less than a custom private trip.

Can I rent a car in Chad, and what licence do I need?

Most governments advise against travel to large parts of Chad, and the desert regions are not places to drive independently under any circumstances. The trips that do happen - to Ennedi and Zakouma - are run by specialist operators using 4x4 convoys with satellite communications, spare fuel and permits, all arranged months ahead. Where rental exists in N'Djamena, a foreign licence with an International Driving Permit is accepted and the minimum age is 25. Consult your own foreign ministry before planning anything.