Travel : Chad - Best places to visit this African nation

 

Chad is a large, landlocked country located in north-central Africa, known for its diverse landscapes, from the arid Sahara Desert in the north to the more fertile savannas in the south. Bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west, Chad is a country of significant cultural diversity, with over 200 ethnic groups and numerous languages spoken. The capital city, N'Djamena, is located in the western part of the country near the Chari River.

### Best Spots to Visit

1. **Zakouma National Park**

   - **Description:** One of the last intact ecosystems in Central Africa, located in southeastern Chad.

   - **Highlights:** Safari tours to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and a wide variety of bird species. The park is also known for its successful conservation efforts.

2. **Lakes of Ounianga**

   - **Description:** A UNESCO World Heritage site in the Sahara Desert, consisting of 18 interconnected lakes.

   - **Highlights:** Spectacular desert landscapes, vibrant-colored lakes, and unique ecosystems that support diverse flora and fauna.

3. **Ennedi Plateau**

   - **Description:** A stunning sandstone plateau in the Sahara, known for its unique rock formations and ancient rock art.

   - **Highlights:** Exploring natural arches, cliffs, and rock paintings that date back thousands of years. The Guelta d'Archei, a water source that attracts camels and other wildlife, is a must-see.

4. **Tibesti Mountains**

   - **Description:** A remote mountain range in northern Chad, home to some of the highest peaks in the Sahara.

   - **Highlights:** Volcanoes, deep canyons, and hot springs. The region is also known for its challenging terrain and opportunities for trekking and adventure tourism.

5. **N'Djamena**

   - **Description:** The capital and largest city of Chad, offering a mix of modern and traditional cultures.

   - **Highlights:** The National Museum of Chad, the central market, the Grand Mosque, and the lively Avenue Charles de Gaulle with its shops and restaurants.

6. **Lake Chad**

   - **Description:** Once one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa, Lake Chad is now significantly reduced in size but remains an important resource.

   - **Highlights:** Boat tours, bird watching, and visits to local fishing communities. The lake is a critical source of water for millions of people in the region.

7. **Manda National Park**

   - **Description:** Located near the city of Sarh in southern Chad, this park is known for its savanna landscapes and wildlife.

   - **Highlights:** Spotting elephants, antelopes, lions, and various bird species in their natural habitat. The park also offers a quieter and less touristy safari experience.

8. **Faya-Largeau**

   - **Description:** A town in northern Chad, located in the heart of the Sahara Desert.

   - **Highlights:** The town serves as a gateway for exploring the surrounding desert landscapes, including sand dunes and oases.

### Best Seasons to Visit

The best time to visit Chad is during the cooler, dry season, which runs from November to February. During this period, temperatures are more bearable, particularly in the northern desert regions and in the capital, N'Djamena. The rainy season, from June to September, affects the southern part of the country, bringing heavy rains that can make travel difficult due to flooding and muddy roads. The hot season, from March to May, can be extremely intense, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), especially in the desert regions.

### Best Cuisines

Chadian cuisine reflects the country's diverse cultures and the availability of local ingredients. Some traditional dishes to try include:

- **Bouillie:** A traditional porridge made from millet or sorghum, often flavored with milk, honey, or sugar.

- **Jarret de Boeuf:** A popular dish made from beef shank, slow-cooked with spices and served with rice or bread.

- **La Boule:** A starchy side dish made from millet or sorghum flour, similar to fufu, often served with a vegetable or meat sauce.

- **Karkanji:** A hibiscus flower drink, commonly enjoyed as a refreshing beverage, similar to bissap in other West African countries.

- **Dried Fish:** Commonly eaten in the Lake Chad region, often served with rice, millet, or sorghum.

- **Grilled Meats:** Skewered and grilled meats, often marinated in local spices, are a popular street food in N'Djamena and other cities.

- **Daraba:** A vegetable stew made with okra, tomatoes, and local greens, often served with millet or rice.

### Airlines Connectivity

Chad is primarily served by N'Djamena International Airport (also known as Hassan Djamous International Airport) in the capital city, N'Djamena. Some of the airlines providing connectivity to Chad include:

- **Air France:** Offers flights from Paris to N'Djamena.

- **Ethiopian Airlines:** Connects Addis Ababa with N'Djamena.

- **Turkish Airlines:** Provides flights from Istanbul to N'Djamena.

- **Royal Air Maroc:** Offers flights from Casablanca to N'Djamena.

- **EgyptAir:** Provides connections from Cairo to N'Djamena.

- **ASKY Airlines:** Offers regional flights from various West and Central African cities.

- **Camair-Co:** Connects Douala with N'Djamena.

Travelers from other parts of the world can find convenient connecting flights through major hubs such as Paris, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, and Casablanca.