Chad Travel Guide 🇹🇩
Essential travel guide to Chad — N’Djamena, Sahara Desert, Lake Chad, Ennedi Plateau & remote African wilderness
🌤 Live Weather — N’Djamena
Weather updates automatically on page load.
📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital N’Djamena
🌍 Regions Sahara · Sahel · Savannas · Lake Chad Basin
💱 Currency Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
🗣 Language French, Arabic
⏱ Time Zone GMT +1
🔌 Plug Type Type C · E — 220V
Chad is one of Africa’s most remote and least-visited countries.
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
Visa required
Passport valid 6+ months
Invitation / hotel proof
- Visa must be obtained before arrival
- Invitation letter often required
- Travel insurance is mandatory
Always confirm visa rules with the nearest embassy.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
🌤 Nov–Feb Cooler & dry — best time
☀️ Mar–May Extreme heat
🌧 Jun–Sep Rainy season (south)
🏜 Desert Only winter travel advised
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🎒 Budget — $40–60 / ₹3,300–₹5,000
- 🏨 Mid-range — $80–120 / ₹6,600–₹10,000
- 🚙 Expeditions — $200+ / ₹16,500+
Independent travel is difficult — guided travel recommended.
🗺 Top Places to Visit
N’Djamena
Ennedi Plateau
Zakouma National Park
Lake Chad
Tibesti Mountains
Aouzou Strip
🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- Very limited domestic flights
- 4×4 vehicles essential
- Poor road infrastructure
- Travel only with experienced drivers
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Providers — Airtel Chad · Tigo
- Basic coverage in cities
- Very limited in rural regions
💵 Money & Payments
- Cash-only economy
- Cards rarely accepted
- Very few ATMs
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Millet & sorghum dishes
- Grilled meats
- Fish from Lake Chad
- Peanut-based sauces
🛡 Safety & Travel Awareness
- High security risks in many regions
- Avoid border areas
- Travel only with local operators
Not recommended for casual tourism.
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — Arrive in N’Djamena
- Day 2 — City & cultural sites
- Day 3 — Fly to Zakouma region
- Day 4 — Wildlife safari
- Day 5 — Return to capital
❓ FAQs
Is Chad safe for tourists?
No. Travel is high-risk and suitable only with professional guides.
Is English spoken?
No. French and Arabic are the primary languages.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Cash is required everywhere.
What is Chad best known for?
Desert landscapes, Zakouma National Park, and extreme remoteness.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
👮 Police 17
🚑 Ambulance 2251
🔥 Fire 18
🩺 Tourist Help Local Authorities