The Republic of Chad located in Central Africa is a landlocked country. Bordered with different provinces like, Libya, Sudan, Nigeria, Niger etc Chad is away from the sea with desert climate, and is divided into major geographical regions. The country is named on Lake Chad which is the second largest wetland in Africa. Emi Koussi is the highest peak of Chad. N’Djamena is the capital of Chad and is the largest city. The country has over 200 different linguistic and ethnic groups. People got attracted towards the trans-Saharan trade in the end of 1st millennium BC and people starting coming which lead to business with when empires and states rose and by the year 1920 it became the part of French Equatorial Africa. Francois Tombalbaye was the leader from which Chad got independence in the year 1960 and this led to civil war in the year 1965. The south hegemony came to an end when the rebels conquered the capital of the country in the year 1979. The political party of President Deby is the most powerful party in this country even after many other ruling parties. The political violence was always there in this country. It was one of the largest crude oil exporters up till 2003 and cotton was the traditional industry.
The presidential elections were held in the year 1996 and 2001 when the government drafted a democratic constitution. Northern Chad faced a revolution in the year 1998 which led to many peace agreements between the rebels and the government. Eastern Chad faced attacks from the new rebels groups of western Sudan in 2005. Power went in the hands of ethnic minority. President Idriss Deby removed the constitutional term limits in June 2005 which led to achievement of the capital in the year 2008.
When to visit Chad
Chad faces worst wet season between June to September, between December to February and from March to May is the best time to visit Chad. Traveling is comfortable from March to May. The days are dry with cool nights from December to Mid-February this is the most preferring time to visit the Republic of Chad.
Getting there and around
Sudan Airways, Cameroon Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines etc are connected with the N’Djamena the capital of Chad, most of the tourists prefer to reach here by air. These airlines are also connected with central and West African cities. Air France has flights four times in week from Paris. If you are planning to reach here by land route avoid getting here from Central African Republic and Libya as the route is not safe for travelers. Traveling from Sudan and Niger is possible but difficult and time consuming because the travelers have to take permission every time on the road routes. The adventurous traveling will be from the overland from N’Djamena to Khartoum as it is the desert movie epic. Travel with a guide or driver will be a good option as these routes are sometimes closed because of armed clashes and banditry. There are no rail links to Chad. It is possible to reach here by boat as it is located in the middle of Africa.
Flying in Chad is a safe option than to travel on the roads. There are no busses and trucks to travel in Chad. The mini buses and rental cars are the best are the best options to travel Chad. Traveling in rainy season is almost impossible and very difficult. There are rental motorcycles taxis called clandos are available in the capital. Hiring cars are expensive in Chad and most off them are restricted towards national borders. Pay up to $50 per day if you want your own personal road transport.
Accommodation in Chad
There are very few hotels in the capital of Chad, no other accommodation is available. Novotel N Djamena la Tchadienn Ndjamena and Le Meridien Chari Ndjamena. There might be some lodges and cottages in other cities, but accommodation here is less available.
Things to see and do in Chad
Hiking on the challenging climbs in the northern mountains is the best opportunity for adventure seeker. Climbing on the eastern shore of Lac Chad at Hadjer al Hamis is very thrilling. People usually celebrate Muslim feasts, especially Tabaski or Id al Kabir. There are many private tribe celebrations in Chad. The unique event in bar is also celebrated in which a single women will book the whole bar and invite friends and acquaintances.
Zakouma National Park is one of the must visit place see the Bahr Salamat and its braches spread across the plains. This national park lost its wildlife after the civil war, but now the government has taken initiatives to restore its wildlife and now the park is not full of wildlife.
Lake Chad is the historic site and was the center of Salt trade industry but in the recent times it is rapidly shrinking and you will find few animals around the lake. From August to December this place is full of travelers you can see a crocodile and a hippopotamus here.
N’Djamena is the capital and biggest city of Chad it was destroyed in war but gained its reputation as the liveliest city in Africa. There are many buildings where bullet holes can be seen. A tour to its historic quarters and National Museum shows you the wonderful artifacts from the Sarh culture and glance of war. The bars here are striking and visitors enjoy a lot in these bars as the bar owners do their best to entertain the visitors. Gala is the best bear which they offer and join them in open air dancing. It also has a wonderful city market and roaming in this market is fun.
Tibesti Mountains is the home of Toubou Tribe and must see place in Chad and well known for racing camels. The cliffs and gaps in the earth surface here are amazing and perfect for nature lovers. Other cities are Abeche, Moundou, Fada, Faya, and Sarh etc all are well known in their own way.
