Introducing Zakouma National Park
This 305, 000-hectare park, 800km southeast of N’Djaména, is a major Chadian success story. After poaching and civil war ravaged local wildlife, the Chadian government and the European Union restocked the park with an eye on the affluent European tourist market. Consequently, Zakouma is once again one of the best places in Central Africa to see large herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, wildebeests, lions and a wide variety of antelopes, primates and birdlife. The best time to come is March and April when the animals congregate around watering holes. It is not possible to visit from June to October because of the rains.
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Visiting the park costs US$15 per person, plus US$7 per vehicle. Public transport, even from Sahr, is practically nonexistent and it would take you many days to get there, so the most realistic option is to organise a trip through one of N’Djaména’s travel agencies. Tchad Evasion Travel Agency charges US$150 per day for a 4WD and driver, plus petrol (around US$50 per day). Expect a six-day round trip since it takes two just to reach the park (you’ll overnight in Mongo).
Inside Zakouma, Le Campement Hôtelier Tinga (524412; www.zakouma.com; s/d US$30/40; ) has comfortable rooms and a good restaurant (breakfast US$5, dinner US$15). Guided safaris cost US$90 per day, and a horse ride is US$16.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
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