Day 1: Arrive in N’Djamena
Welcome to Chad! After landing in N’Djamena, take it easy. Check into your hotel, shake off the jet lag, and get settled. Later, head to the central market, soak up the atmosphere, and dive into some local street food. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs or just people-watch. Don’t overdo it today; there’s plenty to come in the next two weeks.
Day 2: Explore N’Djamena
Dive deeper into N’Djamena. Start with the National Museum to learn about the history and culture of Chad. Then, visit the Grande Mosquée for some beautiful architecture and quiet reflection. Spend the rest of the day wandering the city’s streets, interacting with locals, and sampling Chadian specialties like la bouillie or poisson braisé. Wrap up by relaxing along the Chari River at sunset.
Day 3: Drive to Lake Chad
It’s time to hit the road. Hire a guide and head to Lake Chad, one of the most important water bodies in Africa. The drive offers views of rural life in Chad. Once there, take a boat ride, chat with local fishermen, and enjoy the serenity of the lake. Catch the sunset by the shore if possible – it’s a magical sight.
Day 4: Lake Chad Exploration
Spend the morning exploring the area surrounding Lake Chad. This is your chance to see wildlife, from birds to small mammals. If you’re lucky, you might spot some hippos! Afterward, spend some downtime swimming or relaxing by the water. In the afternoon, make your way back to N’Djamena for a relaxed evening.
Day 5: Road Trip to Zakouma National Park
Time for an adventure! Drive southeast toward Zakouma National Park, one of Africa’s top wildlife reserves. The journey is long but scenic, giving you a glimpse of rural life in Chad. Once you arrive at the park, check into a lodge or campground, and get some rest before tomorrow’s safari.
Day 6: Safari in Zakouma National Park
Get ready for a full day of safari in Zakouma. The park is a haven for elephants, giraffes, lions, and more. You’ll feel the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. After a morning game drive, rest at camp before heading out for an evening safari. The sunset here is stunning and fills the sky with color.
Day 7: Second Day on Safari
Another day of wildlife spotting! Take it slow today. Spend some time talking to your guide, learning about conservation efforts here, and maybe visiting a nearby village to connect with local communities. In the afternoon, enjoy some downtime at the lodge or take a peaceful nature walk in the park.
Day 8: Move to Abéché
Say goodbye to Zakouma, and get ready for the city of Abéché. This is the gateway to eastern Chad and has a rich history. Catch a glimpse of everyday life in the country’s fourth-largest city. In the evening, explore the old city of Abéché and check out the markets that feel less chaotic than in N’Djamena.
Day 9: Visit Ouara and Abéché Sights
Today, visit the archaeological site of Ouara, which holds the remains of the old capital of the Ouaddai Kingdom. It’s not a huge tourist site, so the ruins will feel peaceful. Afterward, return to Abéché to explore more, especially the ancient mosques and historic buildings. Grab a relaxed meal in the market area as the day winds down.
Day 10: Ennedi Desert Adventure
The Ennedi Plateau is calling! Drive to this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site to experience Chad’s dramatic desert landscapes. Spend your day trekking through arches, canyons, and ancient rock formations. Before the day ends, admire some prehistoric petroglyphs that tell stories of the past. Camp under the stars for a real desert experience.
Day 11: Explore More of Ennedi
The Ennedi Plateau is massive, and there’s more to see. Start the day by visiting Guelta d’Archei, famous for its elusive desert crocodiles. The silence of the desert mixed with the sight of wild camels walking through the canyons is a surreal experience. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the campsite or exploring more natural arches nearby.
Day 12: Fada – Gateway to Ennedi
Take a slow drive to Fada, the regional capital and your base for the night. It’s a small town, but its location is what’s nice—it’s your gateway to the wonders of the Ennedi desert. Use the day to relax, refuel, and enjoy a local meal. Walk around, meet the local community, and get a feel for life in this remote part of Chad.
Day 13: Return to N’Djamena
It’s time to head back to N’Djamena. The long drive gives you a chance to reflect on your incredible two weeks in Chad. Once in the city, treat yourself to a nice meal. Spend your last night relaxing in the hotel or taking one final stroll along the Chari Riverbank.
Day 14: Departure
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you can squeeze in one last market visit or simply sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast. When it’s time, head to the airport and say ‘until next time’ to Chad.
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