- N’Djamena: The capital city of Chad offers a vibrant mix of traditional and modern attractions. Explore the vibrant markets, visit the National Museum of Chad, and take a stroll along the Chari River.
- Zakouma National Park: This national park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Embark on a safari to witness elephants, lions, giraffes, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
- Ennedi Plateau: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning rock formations, canyons, and natural arches. Explore the ancient cave paintings and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.
- Chad’s Lakes: Discover the beauty of Chad’s lakes, including Lake Chad, which is the largest lake in the country. Enjoy boat rides, fishing, and birdwatching in this picturesque setting.
- Guelta d’Archei: Located in the Sahara Desert, this natural waterhole is a hidden gem. Witness the unique sight of crocodiles congregating at the water’s edge, surrounded by stunning desert scenery.
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Backpacking Chad in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Chad with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Chad
Embark on a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure in Chad, where rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage await intrepid backpackers. Pros? Experience the untouched beauty of the Sahara, encounter diverse ethnic groups, and witness traditional nomadic life. Chad offers a unique sense of isolation and authenticity, perfect for those seeking a genuine African experience. However, logistical challenges and limited tourist infrastructure may pose hurdles. Chad stands out as an unexplored frontier, appealing to backpackers with a spirit of adventure, ready to discover a destination that promises a raw and unfiltered connection with nature and culture.
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Chad
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Chad
The best time to visit Chad for backpacking would be during the dry season, which typically lasts from November to March. During this time, the weather is generally hot and dry, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring. Additionally, wildlife viewing is also better during this period as animals tend to gather around water sources. However, it's important to note that Chad can still be extremely hot during the dry season, so it's essential to come well-prepared with appropriate clothing, sun protection, and plenty of water.
Risk level: high (83%)Safety advice for Chad
- The security situation in Chad is expected to remain tense until the outcome of the elections are announced. Political rallies and demonstrations are expected, along with a heightened risk of disturbances. There'll be additional police presence throughout the country. Avoid crowds, including any demonstrations or protests.
- Chad is extremely dangerous due to the risk of terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest and violent crime. If, despite our advice, you travel to Chad, seek professional security advice. Avoid crowds, including any demonstrations or protests.
- Avoid crowds, political rallies and public gatherings. Demonstrations, rallies and protests can turn violent, including in N'Djamena. Clashes between security forces and protestors have resulted in deaths.
- Violent conflict, including with armed rebels, continues to occur in parts of Chad.
- Terrorist attacks are also a major risk in Chad, especially by the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram. Be alert to possible threats. Use effective personal security measures.
- Kidnapping is a risk. Kidnappers may target aid workers and other foreigners. Seek professional security advice.
- Violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, has increased, including in daylight. Local security forces, or people posing as them, may try to extort money from foreigners. Don't carry large amounts of cash. Avoid travelling at night, including in N'Djamena, where armed robberies occur. Don't walk around N'Djamena, even for short distances.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
ChadMy tips to get you on the way!Does Chad sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Chad. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Chad may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Chad. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Chad may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Chad, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Chad, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024