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Travelling to Chad: what to know before you go

Chad is a large, landlocked country that runs from the Sahara in the north through the Sahel to wooded savannah in the south. It receives very few tourists, but its desert landscapes, from the sandstone arches of the Ennedi to the volcanic Tibesti, are among the most striking in Africa, and Zakouma National Park has become a notable wildlife destination. It suits experienced travellers on organised trips; check your government's current travel advice before you go.

Where to go

• Ennedi Plateau. A UNESCO World Heritage site in the north-east, where wind and water have carved sandstone into arches, pillars and canyons.
• Guelta d'Archei. A permanent pool deep in a canyon of the Ennedi, where camel herders water their animals among the rocks.
• Zakouma National Park. Savannah and seasonal wetlands in the south-east, home to elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions and large flocks of birds.
• Lakes of Ounianga. A chain of lakes in the middle of the desert, fed by ancient groundwater.

Best time to visit

The cooler dry season, roughly from November to February, is the most comfortable time to visit, especially for desert trips to the Ennedi and Ounianga. From March to May temperatures become extremely hot.

Staying online in Chad

Mobile coverage is available in N'Djamena and larger towns, though data speeds can be slow. Across the desert north, in the parks and between towns there is little or no signal, so expedition teams often carry satellite phones. Wi-Fi is limited to some hotels and offices in the capital. Download offline maps and translation packs, carry a power bank, and tell people at home when you will be out of contact. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land so you have data while you are in range.