Chad
Chad – Discover Zakouma Tour – an 8 day Small Group Tour.
Zikouma National Park has seen a remarkable resurgence in wildlife since 2010 when its management was undertaken by non-profit conservation group, African Parks. Prior to this, rampant ivory poaching had resulted in almost 95% of its elephants being killed.
The struggle against the poachers was brutal. In 2012 six park rangers were murdered, execution style, by poachers. However, a concerted effort at enforcement, education and managed tourism has made the story of Zikouma a tale of redemption rather than a dark tragedy.
In the south of Chad sits Zakouma National Park, one of Africa’s best kept wildlife secrets – a little known park in a little known country that harbours huge numbers of iconic wildlife species.
Our Zakouma tour takes you to a natural paradise in the very heart of Africa, home to elephants, lion, leopards and more. Setting out from N’Djamena we cross the Sahel, travelling through the region of Guera with its impressive inselberg scenery, stopping in villages en route and meeting local communities following traditional lifestyles, almost untouched by the modern world.
In Zakouma itself we spend our days on game drives, setting out early in the morning to give ourselves the best chance of spotting animals on the move. We’ll search for the huge herd of elephants that lives here, keep an eye open for predators such as lion and leopard, and enjoy a total wilderness experience far from the crowds often found in better known African parks and reserves.
Zakouma offers a true wilderness experience, and game viewing here can give East Africa stiff competition – but with a fraction of the visitors you are likely to have sightings all to yourself.
This is no luxury East African safari but offers superb opportunities for authentic wildlife encounters in a hidden corner of the continent, and an unbeatable sensation of true off the beaten track travel.
- Fitness
- Off the beaten track
- Culture
- History
- Wildlife
Tour Pace
Moderate
Tour style
Pioneer
Relaxed Pace
Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.
Moderate Pace
Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.
Busy Pace
A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.
Pioneer Class Tours
On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.
Traveller Class Tours
Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.
Itinerary.
Day 1 – N’Djamena
Arrive in N’Djamena and transfer to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore, or you can simply relax at the hotel and prepare for your adventure. Overnight Hotel Mercure or similar.
Days 2-3 – N’Djamena - Guera – Zakouma National Park
This morning drive south east of N’Djamena to Zakouma through a landscape characterised by immense isolated granite inselbergs. Along the way we encounter several diverse ethnic groups inhabiting the Guera region. Bush camp under starry skies before continuing to the heart of Zakouma National Park and accommodation on the banks of the Tinga River. Day 2 – overnight camping, Day 3 – Tinga Lodge. (BLD)
Days 4-6 – Zakouma National Park
We have three days to explore the park and search out its wildlife. As well as excursions within the park, on foot and by vehicle, we will visit villages close to the park’s perimeter. Overnight Tinga Lodge. (BLD)
Days 7-8 – Zakouma National Park - Guera – N’Djamena
Leaving Zakouma we head north through expansive savannah to the village of Mongo, situated in a hilly area dominated by the 1,500m Mount Guedi. Time is allowed for stops at villages en route back to the capital. In N’Djamena day use hotels rooms are available to freshen up before evening transfers to the airport. Day 7 – overnight camping. (Day 7 – BLD, Day 8 – BL)
Please note: Arrival back in N’Djamena on the last day will be late afternoon, it is important to schedule international flight departures for the evening.
Dates & Price.
Tour Notes
Minimum Group Size
This group tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 2 travellers.
Please note: this tour operates on the basis of a maximum of 3 passengers per vehicle, plus the driver. Therefore, only 2 passengers will sit on the back seat, which allows for more space and comfort.
Single Supplement
Single supplement from £195.
Flights
Flights from London to N’Djamena return start from around £550. Please contact us for a quotation.
Transfers
Airport transfers are included if you are booking pre and/or post tour accommodation at the hotel mentioned in our tour dossier.
Extra Accommodation
Extra night accommodation pre and/or post tour in N’Djamena costs from £105 per person, per night sharing a twin/double room and £190 per person in a solo occupancy room.
Please note that the prices quoted above are for the category of accommodation and hotel used for this particular tour. Depending on the hotel eventually confirmed there may be some difference in the rate advertised by the hotel, and the prices available through Undiscovered Destinations. It should be noted we will not apply a surcharge should more expensive accommodation be used. At the same time in the event that a lower rate is available for the confirmed hotel we are unable to offer a refund.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All accommodation on a twin share basis
- Services of English speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visa
- Drinks
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips (discretionary)
Read more about Chad and our other African tours
Undiscovered Destinations
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