Things to Do in Sarh

Sarh handles ~17M tons of river cargo annually—making it Chad's most important inland port outside the capital. This former colonial administrative center sits along the Chari River in southern Chad, serving as the country's third-largest city and a regional hub that most travelers either pass through quickly or overlook entirely. That is a shame. This city offers one of Chad's more accessible glimpses into both traditional Chadian life and the country's complex history. The city has a laid-back rhythm that is distinctly different from N'Djamena's hustle. Tree-lined streets work. The functioning port and markets feel authentically local rather than tourist-oriented, with traditional Sara traders mixing alongside Arab merchants in a crossroads economy that has shaped the area's culture over centuries. The colonial architecture is crumbling but atmospheric. The river provides a scenic backdrop, and there is something genuinely refreshing about being in a Chadian city where you can walk around and get a feel for daily life without the security concerns that plague other parts of the country. Worth the detour.

Sarh's dining scene focuses on local Chadian cuisine rather than tourist-oriented restaurants. You will find excellent grilled fish from the Chari River, traditional millet-based dishes, and Sara specialties that you won't encounter elsewhere in Chad—the market area has numerous small restaurants and food stalls that serve filling meals for very reasonable prices. Street food works best. Lebanese-run restaurants provide Middle Eastern options, while a few places attempt French cuisine with varying degrees of success. Street food is generally safe and offers the most authentic flavors. Look for busy stalls.

The dry season from November to March offers the most comfortable weather for visiting Sarh. December through February tends to be the sweet spot when temperatures are most manageable and roads are in best condition—though "manageable" still means hot by most standards. The rainy season brings challenges. The rainy season from June to September makes travel more challenging but brings the landscape to life and fills the Chari River to its most impressive levels. Sarh's southern location means it is generally more humid and receives more rainfall than northern Chad.