Chad Travel Guide

Chad is one of Africa's least-visited countries, which means fewer tourists but also fewer tourist amenities. The Sahara dominates the north; the south is greener with scattered settlements. Most travellers come for the raw landscape and the challenge of getting there.

The country has been through decades of instability. Security remains fragile in parts of the north and east, and infrastructure is basic. Roads are rough, supplies unreliable, and power cuts common. If you're comfortable with that friction, you'll see places few outsiders reach.

Visas are sometimes difficult to obtain and overland travel requires permits. Your best bet is to hire a fixer or join a small group tour. Solo, unplanned travel here is not advisable.

Highlights

1. Sahara Desert — Vast dune fields, rocky plateaus, and near-total silence. Traversable by 4WD with experienced guides.
2. Lake Chad — Shrinking, eerie shoreline straddling four countries. Fish camps and migratory birds; security concerns apply.
3. Southern Savanna — Grasslands and sparse wildlife. Less extreme than the north; rainy season transforms the landscape.
4. Trade Route History — Ancient caravan routes once connected sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean. Ruins and archaeology scattered throughout.
5. Northern Mountains — Dramatic rocky ranges rise from the desert. Remote, beautiful, rarely visited by outsiders.
6. Local Markets — Small towns and oases host bustling markets. Textiles, spices, and genuine cultural exchange without tourist infrastructure.