VISIT CHAD - THE BABEL TOWER OF THE WORLD

About 7000 years ago, Chad was not as arid as today. It is considered as one of the birthplaces of mankind where people lived around the shores of the lakes in the north-central basin of the Sahara. Sao people lived along the Chari River during the first millennia that became the Kanem-Bornu and Baguirmi kingdoms. This region was known as the crossroads for the trans-Saharan trade. Upon the collapse of the kingdoms, the region was ruled by local tribesmen and raided by Arabs.

In the 19th century, the French placed control of the region. In 1910 Chad joined the French Equatorial Africa Federation. In 1959, AEF was dissolved and in 1960, the first president of Chad, Francois Tombalbaye took control. Unfortunately, a civil war began between the Muslim north and the Christian dominated south regions.

 In 1975 General Malloum took control in a coup. In 1979, another coup replaced him with Goukouni Oueddei. Power changed hands twice more and the first multi-party election was held in 1996 through a democratic process.

Chad geography indicates that the country is landlocked. It is situated in central Africa and is bordered by Libya in the north. Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger border the country to the west while the Central African Republic is to the south and Sudan to the east.  

Chad has a topography with the volcanic Tibesti Range in the north. It consists of cliffs, canyons and ravines. In the northeast lies the Ennedi and the country consists of the Saharan dunes in the ecoregion. Chad also benefits from a vast equatorial forest area. 

The country has the famous Lake Chad area in the west and is covered by mountains in the east, north, and south. You find natural irrigation along the Chari and Logone Rivers along with their tributaries. The waters flow from the southeast into Lake Chad.

Art and music are important elements of Chad’s culture. Locals make art items such as baskets and decorate them with colourful dyes. Woven art in Chad commonly uses bright colours like violet and green. Clay pots are also popular market ware along with basketwork, painting, stationery, and greeting cards. Cross stitch patterns of animals are famous and art skills help to provide a livelihood for families.

African maracas, large xylophones, and tam-tam are the main musical instruments. You will find music playing in the churches, mini beer bars, and traditional dance nights. Lute playing by a variety of Chadian artists are available online on ialtchad’s music page, worth a listen.

The cuisine of Chad includes millets, rice, sorghum, and common vegetables such as okra. The food in Chad uses a variety of spices, especially in the south. The north is popular for tilapia and Nile perch, tasty fish dishes. You could try Chad traditional food and other specialities in a selection of restaurants in the capital. The most common Chad national food is a porridge made from millet in the south and maize in the north.

Daraba (okra, sweet potato with tomato), Tilapia (smoked dry fish), Kisser (pancake), Jarret de boeuf (beef with vegetables), La Bouillie (breakfast cereal), Mula sharmoot (meat dip), Fungasoo (fried cheese balls), Marrara (special stew)

Jus de fruit (milk with cardamom and sugar), Gala (local beer), Karkanji (spiced red tea), Tea (red, black and green), Kabisa (energy drink)

Shaking hands is a common form of greeting among males. Women greet each other verbally and always use their right hands for handshakes. It is common for Chadians to stand close to each other while conversing. However, there is a distance maintained between men and women. The dress is conservative but informal. It is a good idea to learn how to say hello in Chad, 'mar ha ban' and other common greetings. The Toubou people are sensitive especially if you take photos.

• Lake Chad is a popular Chad tourist attraction, the largest water body in the country.
• Reach for the heavens as you witness the towering Tibesti Mountains with canyons, forested spots and more.
• Witness the Ennedi Plateau, a hard expanse of sandstone and geological wonder.
• Explore the Zakouma National Park brimming with mammals and birds.
• Stroll on the long beach in Chari, an amazing offering in a landlocked country.
• Witness prehistoric culture and colonial architecture in N'Djamena.
• Explore the Chad National Museum with four fundamental exhibits.
• Be amazed at the renowned canyon in the Sahara, Guelta d'Archei for its spectacular scenery.
• The Chad River is a popular Chad tourism spot with beautiful flocks of birds and African shores.
• To witness the spectacular Gerewol Festival.
• For an amazing hike across the Sahara to reach the permanent waterhole, Guelta d'Archei.

October to March are the dry months and is the best time to visit Chad. Temperature is pleasant with an average of 16°C and a trip to the desert is a must. June to September is the rainy season and is shorter in the Shael, northwards of the country. Late September is popular for the Gerewol Festival. It is a good idea to visit to witness the amazing tradition. However, the rainy season creates havoc on the roads and transportation issues are a hindrance to travel.

• Among the popular Chad things to do, take a trip into the Ennedi region for gazelles.
• Take a multi-day tour and explore Madagascar's south and west.
• Witness the spectacular Guelta d'Archei Lake for its dramatic cliffs.
• Explore the Chad National Museum, a popular Chad tourist attraction.

• Head out to Emi Koussi, the highest volcano in the Sahara.
• Visit the Lakes of Ounianga, a total of 18 lakes in the Sahara Desert.
• Go on an adventure tour to the Tibesti Mountains and consider climbing the Emi Koussi.
• Witness amazing birdlife and mammals in Zakouma National Park in a 4*4 vehicle.

• Visit Goz Beida National Park, a popular Chad tourist attraction.
• Take a city tour of the capital city of N'Djamena to blend in with history and traditions.
• Witness the amazing Gerewol Festival, a spectacle of tradition.
• Go to the city of Bol because of Lake Chad, the largest freshwater lake.

• See the beautiful Grand Mosque N'Djamena with kids in the capital.
• Explore the Zakouma National Park for an amazing African safari to see lions and elephants.
• Take a tour of the colourful market in N'Djamena and the historical village of Gaoui.
• Visit the charming N'Djamena Cathedral.

• Camel Hair Carpet
• Embroidered Cotton Cloth
• Calabashes
• Pottery
• Brass Animals
• Knives
• Leatherware

The National Museum at N'Djamena offers a fine range of artefacts. Explore exhibits of folk arts, protohistory, and traditions of the people of the country. This museum was established on October 6th, 1962. Notice the elegant modern sculpture of a tribesperson with the world in its hand. Enjoy the journey of history in a remarkable place with the Toumai skull being the prime exhibit.

Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: $0.56

Marvel at the beautiful Chad tourist attraction, Lake Chad. This must be seen to be believed as it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Visit from August to December when the water level is at its highest. This spectacular Chad tourist spot was the centre of Africa's salt trade.

Best Time to Visit: August to December
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Witness the fantastic camel racing in the Tibesti Mountains. This is the home to the Toubou tribe in the astonishing Saharan region. Admire the palm-fringed oases, ancient rock art, hot springs and the attractive chasms and crags. View the incredible Emi Koussi which is the highest peak of Chad at 3450m.

Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Visit the stunning Ennedi Plateau to travel to Guelta d'Archei. This is located in the northeast of Chad and is a long-used desert waterhole. This is the reason for the survival of several species in the area. Notice the Nile crocodile that probably is the last of its species in the Sahara. The Chad tourist attraction is one of the many famous oases of the region.

Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Witness a series of 18 interconnected lakes, a popular Chad tourism spot. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. Explore the fantastic depths of the Sahara. The lake waters shine from blue and green to red colour due to the different chemical compositions. The colours will leave you astonished and awe-struck.

Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

The lovely Zakouma National Park is located on a plain across which flows the Bahr Salamat River. The tributaries flow down from north to south as wildlife wander the park. See herds of elephants, giraffes wandering, and the lazing majestic lions. Enjoy a game drive or better still a ranger-guided walk for an amazing African safari.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Price: $7.00

Few other places to visit in Chad are,

• Abeche
• N'Djamena Quarters
• Chari River
• Gala Brewery
• Goz Beida National Park
• Bol
• Chad Market

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Chad

The capital city welcomes you to a blend of modern and historic cultures. Witness the many mud-brick structures, a grim reminder that you are in one of the world's poorest countries. Revel in the nightlife with lively bars powered by hundreds of generators. Explore the history of Chad in the city's attractions.

Visit For: Central Market, Chad National Museum

The beautiful city is a cultural and ethnographic centre. It boasts remnants of fortresses and tombs of former sultans that ruled Chad. It is well connected by road with N'Djamena and Sudan and has an important cattle-raising complex. The French occupied the city for many years and was a trade route for Arab slaves.

Visit For: Grand Marche, Abeche Museum, Lycee Franco-Arabe

The city has its airport and is located in the Lac region of Chad. Bol is most likely visited due to the Chad tourist attraction, Lake Chad. The largest freshwater lake occupies 10,000 sq km and is very close to the city. A bit of the lake extends into Bol and you can hire a boat to explore the lake.

Visit For: Lake Chad

The city is the second-largest in Chad. It is famous for the Gala Brewery where more than a million barrels of nectar is produced annually. Tour the brewery and enjoy a cold glass of lager to cool down from the intense heat. Mingle with the Ngambi people of the city.

Visit For: Manufacture Des Cigarettes Du Tchad, Cotontchad

This touristy city is popular because of the pretty Chari River. Witness the life of the local people who dwell along the river. Take a traditional canoe ride along the river and witness an abundance of birdlife. The boat tour is a famous tourist activity in the city.

Other Popular Cities to Visit in Chad,

• Goz Beida
• Am Timan
• Faya-Largeau
• Sarh

The Mbororo people celebrate the fascinating cultural experience in the remote region of Durbali. Join them in feasting, dancing, and witness the way young Mbororo men decorate themselves to impress a prospective partner.

Location : Durbali
Date : 26 September

Chadians celebrate the new year with fireworks and festivities. Greetings of good fortune for the coming year and well-being vibes spread among the people. The event is accompanied by good food that is shared with family and friends. It is a holiday in the country with joyous celebrations.

Location : Chad
Date : 1 January

The festival celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The Muslim festival is an important religious event. People indulge in elaborate feasts and share the occasion with family and friends. Chadian Muslims attend special prayer services in mosques.

Location : Chad
Date : Varies

Chad marks the day of independence from France way back in 1960. Speeches from various leaders of the government, parades, and colourful festivities fill the streets. Many cities have music and dance concerts and locals grab sporty entertainment from soccer.

Location : Chad
Date : 11 August

Women's Day is a fairly large event in Chad. The week before Women's Day is known as SENAFET (National Chadian Women Week). Contests, community celebrations, educational seminars, and a range of activities happen during the week.

Location : Chad
Date : 8 March

Other festivals/events celebrated in Chad are,

• Easter Monday
• Labor Day
• Eid-al-Adha
• Prophet's Birthday

All travellers must have a valid passport to apply for a Chad visa. The passport needs to be valid for six months beyond the date of return. The passport must have at least two blank pages as well as a Chad visa requirement.

Citizens must obtain a visa from a Chadian diplomatic mission before arrival. Only citizens from visa-exempt countries can enter visa-free. The visa-exempt countries are,

• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• The Central African Republic
• Republic of Congo
• Côte d`Ivoire
• Equatorial Guinea
• Gabon
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Togo
• UAE

Citizens of Benin can obtain a visa on arrival without the Entry Authorisation letter. Other citizens apart from those from visa-exempt countries need to obtain the Entry Authorisation letter issued by authorities of Chad before departure.

Tourist visas have a processing time of 7 to 10 days with a validity of stay up to 30 days. It is a single-entry visa and processing costs are $ 117.51

Tourist e visas are yet to be introduced.

Transit visas are to be obtained if the passenger's transit time is beyond 48 hours.

Tchadia Airlines operate very limited flights to some routes within the country. Security concerns are paramount. The airline is based at the N'Djamena International Airport and is the national carrier.

Within the capital, N'Djamena travellers can use hired cars or self-drive vehicles. However, drivers have to obtain an international driving permit. Stay cautious on the road as the conditions are poor and road bandits are common.

Vehicle Taxi and buses are also very cheap modes of transport within the capital. If you have to leave the capital then a convoy is recommended. You will also need a permit from the government to travel outside the capital. Some buses connect major towns but are unreliable.

There are no rail services as of now.

Some of the major towns such as Moundou and Sarh have clandos or motorcycle taxis.

Airlines service the network such as Air France, Egyptair and Royal Air Maroc. If you are flying from the USA or the UK there may be one stopover at least.

There are no railway networks in Chad. However, there are plans to link Sudan and Cameroon, neighbouring countries soon.

Roads are unpaved and there is one paved road in the North from Massakory to Guelendeng via N'Djamena. The driver should exercise caution even on the main road. The new section of a road is from Moundou to Kyabe.

• Be wary of petty street crime and corrupt police officials.
• Be aware of travel advisory to Chad before travel.
• Most border crossings are extremely difficult except perhaps the border crossing between Niger and Cameroon.
• North Chad is barren and requires guides to travel.
• Travel outside N'Djamena is done with difficulty and permits are required.
• Keep your travel documents and passports safe.
• Political turmoil and attacks by rebels is a possibility.
• Be respectful of all ethnic groups, as many as 200 distinct ethnic groups exist.
• All photography requires a government permit.

• Drink only boiled water or bottled water.
• Do not suck on ice.
• Be careful of road bandits and petty criminals.
• Avoid hotspots such as borders with Libya and Sudan.
• Boko Haram are responsible for various terrorist activities.
• Kidnapping is a risk in remote areas, so do not venture without permits.
• Take the guidance of a professional security service.

• Keep safe and drink water from known brands you recognize.
• Eat only at restaurants recommended by a guide or friends.
• Make sure local dishes are well cooked and warm while you eat.
• Wash hands often to avoid illness.
• Carry Health Insurance for emergencies.
• Carry a medical kit as there are limited medical facilities.
• Ensure vaccinations are taken as the country is the African Meningitis Belt.
• CDC and WHO recommended vaccinations before travel to Chad are - Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Tdap, Chicken Pox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza.

• A handshake is the most common way to greet men. Verbal greetings are more common among women.
• The right hand is always used for greetings.
• In a group, greetings are made by handshakes from the eldest to the youngest.
• Chadians usually start a greeting with small talk about your family such as ‘comment la famile’ “How is your family?”.
• Dress sense is conservative with darker colours in vogue.
• Eye contact during a conversation is a sign of respect.

Niger is a beautiful country in Africa that offers amazing wildlife and natural landscapes. Visit to see amazing birds, camel races and traditional festivals. The Tribal Festival of Niger is worth witnessing. Unmissable is the Niger Desert and the Djado Plateau.

Visit Nigeria for the Yankari Game Reserve, Lekki Conservation Centre, Nike Art Centre, Olumo Rock and more. The country has many natural attractions, tropical forests and local landscapes. Enjoy the city skyline or the desert vistas and have a great time.

Mount Cameroon, Waza National Park, Dja Faunal Reserve, Korup National Park and more are some of the popular attractions in Cameroon. Visit Douala, Yaounde and other beautiful cities in Cameroon. Cameroon is often called 'Africa in miniature' due to its cultural and geographical diversity.

Libya - 1215 km, Sudan - 1272 km, Central African Republic - 1012 km

• The country has vast reserves of oil, gold and uranium.
• Lake Chad is the second largest lake in Africa after which the country gets its name.
• The Sahara Desert covers roughly ⅓ of the country's area.
• Chad has only one television station called Tele-Tchad.
• 80% of Chadians live under the poverty line.
• Chad is mainly tropical and allows farming to help families settle.
• The Toubou tribe are known as the world's best camel racers.

CALLING CODE: +235

EMBASSY Of UAE:  +235 22 519 983 | For more info Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in N'Djamena, Chad

Fire brigade: 18

Ambulance: 2251-4242

Police: 17

Chad currency is the Central African franc and the currency code is XAF. The Chad currency symbol is FCFA. Chad money is broken up into 100 centimes. The Chad currency exchange rate for some of the popular currencies are,

Symbol: FCFA

Code: XAF

1 XAF = 0.22 PKR (Chad currency to PKR)

1 XAF = 0.0019 USD (Chad currency to USD)

1 XAF = 0.13 INR (Chad currency to INR)

1 XAF = 0.0015 Euro (Chad currency to Euro)

Chad currency banknote denomination: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 XAF

Chad currency coin denomination: 1,5,10,25,50, 100, 250 XAF

Please note that Travelers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places.

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