Chad

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to the high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime, government agencies (including CA, USA, UK, AU, IE, and NZ) advise travelers to reconsider or avoid all travel to Chad. Areas such as the Lake Chad Basin and border regions are considered extremely dangerous. The security situation is fragile and consular support is severely limited. Families are strongly urged to consult their own government's official travel advisory before considering a trip, as circumstances and risk assessments vary.

For families with extensive experience in overlanding and remote expeditions, Chad offers landscapes that define the word "wild." This landlocked nation in north-central Africa is not a typical holiday destination; it requires rigorous planning, professional guides, and a willingness to forego modern comforts. The country serves as a bridge between the arid Sahara Desert in the north and the fertile savannas of the south.

The crown jewel for wildlife enthusiasts is Zakouma National Park. Managed by the non-profit African Parks, Zakouma is considered one of the safest and most well-organized areas for tourism in the country. Here, families can witness a miraculous ecological recovery, seeing herds of Kordofan giraffes, Central African elephants, and lions on guided game drives. The park offers secure accommodation options, making it the only viable location for a somewhat traditional safari experience in the region.

Further north lies the Ennedi Massif, a UNESCO World Heritage site often described as an open-air museum. The landscape is defined by towering sandstone pillars, natural arches, and deep canyons. Visitors can hike to see ancient rock art dating back thousands of years or visit the Guelta d'Archei, a desert watering hole where nomads water their camels and rare desert crocodiles still survive. This region provides a powerful lesson in geology and human history, though reaching it requires a multi-day 4x4 expedition across difficult terrain.

Culturally, Chad is a mosaic of over 200 ethnic groups. Encounters with nomadic peoples, such as the Toubou, offer insight into a way of life perfectly adapted to the harsh desert environment. However, travel logistics are challenging. French and Arabic are the official languages, and the climate is intensely hot, especially from March to June. Due to the lack of infrastructure and security concerns, families should only visit as part of a reputable, fully supported tour group that specializes in high-risk zones.