Chad, Dangerous Yet Beautiful

 

Chad, Dangerous Yet Beautiful

 

 

Chad is a landlocked country in Central Africa, the fifth largest on the continent. It is divided into three parts: Saharan Chad (northern part, the driest one), Sahelian Chad (the central part), and Soudanian Chad (southern part, the wettest one). Chad may be the only country in the world named after a lake, Africa's second-largest wetland. Today's lake Chad, with an area of 17,806 km² (6,875 sq mi), is what remains of an immense water reservoir that used to occupy the area of 330,000 km² (130,000 sq mi) 7,000 years ago, known as the Chadian Basin. Famous tourist destinations are Aouk National Park, Manda National Park, Sena Oura National Park, Siniaka-Minia National Park, and Zakouma National Park, all of which are perfect places for safari excursions.

 

History

 

The history of Chad began as early as in Neolithic times when the lake Chad was an important junction for various caravan routes. During the 11th — 15th centuries, the territory of today’s Chad was occupied by the state of Kanem, which was replaced by the state of Borno in the 15th — 16th centuries. Later on, Chad underwent the process of Islamisation. During the 16th and 17th centuries, this land was owned by the kingdoms Bagirmi and Ouaddai. Their economies were based on the slave trade; luckily, this practice declined towards the 19th century; so did the kingdoms. In 1880, they were conquered by a Sudanese warlord, only to be displaced by Europeans several decades later, in 1910. That year, Chad was proclaimed one of four nations comprising French Equatorial Africa. The state became independent in 1960, when the first prime minister was elected. However, since then, Chad’s politics has been marked with instability and tensions, aroused by religious and cultural differences between Muslims, Christians and animists. For now, the situation remains unstable and prone to various dangers, which is why many countries advise against visiting Chad.

 

Population

 

 

Chad remains a predominantly rural country, with the only large urban centre being N’Djamena, the capital city. It exemplifies a stark contrast with nomadic life in the countryside, where people adhering to over 200 ethnic groups still live in tribes. 

 

Landmarks

 

 

Chad’s most important landmark is, undoubtedly, Lake Chad. What once was one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the world is now only 5% of its initial size. However, even today, Chad remains Africa’s second-largest wetland. In the past, it used to be a centre of the salt trade, and played a great role in Chad’s history and economy. Unfortunately, change of climate and an increase in agricultural needs endangers the lake’s future, which has shrunk greatly during the last three decades. It is likely that in 10 years Chad will be gone forever, so take your chance to see its splendour while it’s still there. The best times to visit the lake is between August and December, when the water level is the highest. During this period, you have the most probable chance to spot a crocodile or a hippo, and can also try fishing or boating.

 

N’Djamena National Museum is a must-see if you’d like to get acquainted with the Chadian culture. The collection exhibits a range of folk art and craft, and tells travellers about Chadian peoples’ traditions and beliefs.

 

N’Djamena’s Central Mosque is the architectural, social, and religious centre of the city. Besides the mosque itself, the complex contains a library, a lecture hall, and two schools (all conducting services in Chadian Arabic).

 

The liveliest city in Chad has more to offer to a traveller: for example, the historical quarters. Daily markets astonish with their bright tapestry of authentic souvenirs made by Chadian people. Understand today’s diversity of the country by having a walk in the Arab and the African quarters (the latter can offer some nightlife fun, as well). The wealthiest street in N’Djamena is Avenue Charles de Gaulle, where you can see Victorian houses and visit some high-end restaurants.

 

 

Another point of interest are cave paintings found in the Sahara’s rocky regions, such as the Tibesti Mountains. Those works of prehistoric art manifest the presence of large animals in the region aeons ago. This region is populated by the Toubou tribe, who organise thrilling camel races. Other than that, the Saharan part of Chad is rich with chasms and crags, hot springs, and spectacular oases. Make a stop or try to climb the country’s highest peak, Emi Koussi, which soars into the sky at 3,450 m (11,300 ft).

 

 

The coloured lakes of Ounianga is Chad’s nature marvel which was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2012. These 18 interconnected lakes located within the Sahara Desert are an out-of-this-world sight. Due to various chemical compositions, the lakes’ waters can assume different colours, like blue, green, or even red. This landmarks truly has to be seen to be believed.

 

Those travellers brave enough can venture further off into the desert, to the Ennedi Plateau, to find one more treasure of Chad — the Guelta d’Archei. This is a waterhole maintaining one of the last remaning crocodile populations in Sahara.

 

 

Safari is one of the most sought-after activities around the major part of Africa, and Chad is no exception. Visit Zakouma National Park to see Africa’s «Big Five»: elephant, rhino, giraffe, leopard, and lion. The immense territory of the park occupies the plain of the Bahr Salamat River and its multiple tributaries intersecting Chad from north to south. Take a game drive or a ranger-guided walk and enjoy the sight of Africa’s incomparable wildlife. The best months to visit the national park are March and April, when animals congregate around the waterholes remaining after the dry season. Note that the territory cannot be visited from June to October because of rain. The easiest way to get to Zakouma is to have a visit organised by one of N’Djamena’s travel agencies.

 

Other national parks within Chad are Aouk National Park, Manda National Park, Sena Oura National Park, and Siniaka-Minia National Park.

 

Climate and weather

 

 

Chad’s climate is tropical hot, with the rain season lasting from May until October in the south, and from June until September in the central part, while the north receives little precipitation all year round. The dry season is characterised by often winds and cool evenings. Linen and waterproof clothes are best for wearing while in Chad.

 

How to Travel to Chad

 

 

Chad is a landlocked country and has no railroads, so the most accommodating way to get there is by air. However, direct air transportation is available only from three countries: France (Air France), Egypt (Egyptair), and Marocco (Royal Air Maroc). Flying from any other country implies at least one stopover. The largest airport in Chad is N’Djamena International Airport (NDJ). Everyone who’s going to stay over 24 hours has to pay a departure fee (a tourist one and a security one), except for students.

 

Getting Around

 

In-country, transportation isn’t that easy, given the roads’ quality, the majority of which are unpaved or disrepaired. Thus, travel is possible only in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Following Chad’s government restriction on travel, the country (particularly, the central and northern areas) doesn’t have sufficient petrol and vehicle repair facilities. Keep that in mind before going somewhere, and keep a stock of necessary supplies. During the rainy season, some roads may become impassable, especially in southern regions. Due to the presence of highway bandits, it is not advised to travel after dark.

 

Note that car hire in Chad requires a rather expensive International Driving Permit. In order to travel anywhere outside N’Djamena an authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior is required.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Citizens of all states except of neighbouring African countries require a visa and a valid passport to enter Chad. A single-entry/ transit visa lasts for one month and costs €70; a multiple-entry visa lasts for three months and costs €100. Moreover, to travel in Chad, you must present to the officials your in- and return tickets or a copy of your itinerary. You also have to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Within 72 hours after arrival, you must register at the Surete (immigration department). Adults travelling with children may be asked to produce documentary evidence of parental responsibility.

 

Tips for Tourists

 

 

- As Chad is a Muslim state, though partially, it is not advised to eat using your left hand — it is considered impolite.

- In relation to the same issue, your clothing should be conservative.

- Photography is prohibited; a government permit must be received. Photographing military sites, airports and official buildings is prohibited in any case.

- You must always carry an identification, lest you could be put into detention by police.

- The languages spoken in Chad are Arabic (local dialect) and French, along with over 200 tribal languages.

- A 10% tip is expected by any service (taxi, restaurants).

- Drinking unfiltered water or unpasteurised milk without boiling should be avoided. Meat, fish, and vegetables should be eaten only well-cooked, and fruit should be peeled.

- Avoid swimming in fresh water, particularly in the south and southeast.

- The diseases spread in Chad include meningococcal meningitis, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, rabies, and malaria. Vaccination before arrival is advised; also bring insect repellent or mosquito netting.

- Card and cheque payment are available only in N’Djamena. It is easier to use and exchange US dollars or Euros; bringing Sterling or Francs is not advised.

- In 2025, Chadian Muslims observe Ramadan from March 1 to March 29. If you travel during that period, be respectful and refrain from eating or drinking in public places before sunset. Also, mind that most restaurants will be closed.

 

Where to Stay

 

The majority of travellers stay in the capital city of N’Djamena, which has a dozen average hotels. Finding a stay elsewhere is rather difficult. In any case, book accommodation in advance, because the number of rooms is limited.

 

Final Words

 

 

A sparsely populated Chad is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts, with vast possibilities to see all kinds of African animals in their natural habitats, from deserts to rainforests. Other than that, Chad is a treasure trove for those interested in tribal cultures, with over 200 ethnic groups living in its territory. However, we must ask you to be careful, for the current political situation in Chad is considered rather dangerous, and some governments advise against travelling to certain parts of the country.