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Lake Chad was once one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Its dry season area of under 10,000 sq km can rise to 25,000 sq km at the height of the rains; however, it is slowly drying up and even vanished during the worst of the Sahel drought in 1984. Its slow disappearance is creating problems for, and conflicts between, fishermen and farmers.
A finger of the lake reaches Bol year-round, and trade with Nigeria has made this small town relatively prosperous. To get out on the lake (best done Nov-Feb) and see floating islands, massive numbers of birds and maybe hippos, hire a boat down at the port.
(W Chad)
The Tibesti Mountains remain off-limits but Ennedi desert is just as weird and wonderful. Attractions include prehistoric cave paintings, slot canyons, desert lakes and some unbelievably bizarre rock formations. There are even ancient sea arches, now swimming in sand dunes, formed when Lake Chad stretched out here.
The area is also home to some stunning wildlife such as the Nile Crocodile and was the home of the last Saharan lion.
(NE Chad)
This national park is a major Chadian success story. After poaching and civil war ravaged the area's wildlife, the Chadian government and the EU restocked the park with an eye on the affluent European tourist market. Now you can see large herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, wildebeests, monkeys, lions, and a wide variety of antelopes and birdlife.
The best time to come is March and April when the animals congregate around watering holes. It is not possible to visit June-October because of the rains. Getting to the park can be laborious with the best option being organising the visit through one of N'Djaména's travel agencies.
(SE Chad)
car 4WD
| full | US Dollar 15.00 |
The capital of the south, and Chad's second biggest transport junction, Sarh appears at first to be a quiet, dull town. A step out into the humming nightlife, and you'll soon think differently. Sarh has much to recommend it, not least that it's one of the most hassle-free places in the country.
In town, you can rent a bicycle for a day, visit the central market and explore the museum. Two flights and three buses a week connect N'Djamena with Sarh. The bus takes about 15 hours.
The Chadian capital's very good reputation before the civil war is slowly returning. Though expensive, Ndjamena has friendly people, great markets, interesting artisan goods and a thriving live music and bar scene. If police weren't shooting people in the street, it'd be almost perfect.
The city is divided into two sections, the European or administrative section and the bigger, more lively African section. Places of interest include the remaining exhibits in the Musée National and the vast Grand Marché. You might also catch the horseracing at the hippodrome on the weekend.
