Chad Travel Information

Chad, located in central Africa, is a landlocked country known for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. While tourism is still relatively new to Chad, there are many unique and memorable experiences to be had in this fascinating country. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 things to do in Chad.

1. Zakouma National Park

Go on a safari in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled national parks in Africa, home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, and many more.

2. N'Djamena

Explore the capital city of Chad, a bustling metropolis with a vibrant market, historical landmarks, and a lively nightlife.

3. Ennedi Plateau

Discover the stunning natural beauty of the Ennedi Plateau, with its striking rock formations, canyons, and ancient rock art.

4. Lake Chad

Visit the largest lake in Chad, an important water source and home to a variety of fish and bird species.

5. Tibesti Mountains

Trek through the rugged and remote Tibesti Mountains, home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa.

6. Abeche

Explore the second-largest city in Chad, known for its colorful markets and historical sites.

7. Sahara Desert

Experience the awe-inspiring expanse of the Sahara Desert, which covers much of Chad's northern region.

8. Chad National Museum

Learn about Chad's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in N'Djamena.

9. Guera Massif

Hike through the scenic Guera Massif, an area of rugged hills and valleys that is home to a variety of plant and animal life.

10. Chari River

Take a boat trip along the Chari River, which flows through N'Djamena and provides a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.

Chad offers a wealth of experiences for adventurous travelers who are looking to explore a lesser-known part of Africa. Whether you're interested in wildlife, culture, or natural beauty, there is something for everyone in Chad.

Climate

Chad has a hot and dry desert climate in the north, and a tropical climate in the south. The rainy season in Chad typically lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rains falling in July and August.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chad depends on what you want to see and do. The dry season, from November to April, is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is cooler and there is less rain. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources.

If you're interested in exploring Chad's natural beauty, the months of November to February are a good time to visit, as the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. This is also a good time to visit the Ennedi Plateau and the Tibesti Mountains.

If you're interested in Chad's cultural heritage, it's best to plan your visit around the traditional festivals and celebrations. The Gerewol festival, a colorful celebration of beauty and dance, takes place in September, while the Moussem festival, a religious festival featuring music, dance, and horse races, takes place in October.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Chad has a number of hotels, ranging from basic to luxury, located in major cities like N'Djamena and Abeche. Some popular hotel chains in Chad include Radisson Blu and Novotel.

Guesthouses Guesthouses are a popular option for budget travelers, and can be found in many cities and towns throughout Chad. They typically offer basic amenities like shared bathrooms and communal areas.

Lodges and Camps

For travelers interested in wildlife and nature, there are several lodges and camps located in and around national parks like Zakouma National Park. These accommodations offer a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Chad's natural beauty.

Homestays

For travelers interested in cultural immersion, homestays offer a chance to stay with a local family and experience Chad's unique culture and traditions.

Camping

Camping is a popular option for adventurous travelers, and can be done in many parts of Chad. Some campsites offer basic facilities like toilets and showers, while others are more remote and require travelers to bring their own equipment.

Taxis

Taxis are a common form of transportation in Chad, especially in major cities like N'Djamena. Taxis are typically shared with other passengers and may not have meters, so it's important to negotiate the fare before getting in.

Buses

Buses are available in Chad, but they can be unreliable and uncomfortable, with long travel times and frequent breakdowns. Buses are generally used for long-distance travel between major cities.

Private Cars and 4x4s

Private cars and 4x4s can be rented for travel in Chad, either with a driver or for self-driving. This can be a convenient and comfortable option for exploring the country's national parks and remote areas.

Motorbikes

Motorbikes are a popular option for short-distance travel in Chad, especially in rural areas. They can be rented from local shops or from guesthouses and hotels.

Domestic Flights

Chad has a limited domestic flight network, with flights operated by several local airlines. Flights can be a convenient and fast option for traveling between major cities in Chad.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.