Things to Do in Zakouma National Park, Tchad تشاد

Zakouma National Park stands as one of Central Africa's most remarkable wildlife conservation success stories, located in southeastern Chad. Once devastated by poaching and civil unrest, this 3,000-square-kilometer park has undergone an extraordinary transformation under the management of African Parks since 2010, becoming a beacon of hope for African wildlife conservation. The park now protects one of the largest remaining elephant herds in Central Africa, along with thriving populations of lions, giraffes, and countless other species. The park's diverse ecosystems range from woodland savannas and seasonal floodplains to permanent wetlands, creating a mosaic of habitats that support an incredible array of wildlife. Zakouma offers visitors an authentic African safari experience with minimal crowds, where encounters with wildlife feel genuinely wild and untamed. The park's remote location and challenging access have helped preserve its pristine character, making it a destination for serious wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous travelers seeking one of Africa's last great wilderness experiences.

Top Things to Do in Zakouma National Park

Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing

Experience exceptional game drives through Zakouma's diverse landscapes, where you'll encounter large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. The park's relatively small size and high animal density make for incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly during the dry season when animals congregate around water sources.

Booking Tip: Book through African Parks or authorized tour operators 2-3 months in advance. Costs range from $200-400 per day including park fees and guide. Best viewing is December-April during dry season. Choose operators with experienced local guides and proper 4WD vehicles.

Elephant Tracking and Research Experience

Join researchers and rangers on elephant tracking expeditions to observe one of Central Africa's most important elephant populations up close. Learn about conservation efforts, anti-poaching measures, and the remarkable recovery of Zakouma's elephant herds from fewer than 450 to over 550 individuals.

Booking Tip: Arrange through African Parks directly, typically $150-250 per person per day. Limited to small groups and requires advance booking. Best during dry season when elephants are easier to track. Physical fitness required for walking portions.

Bird Watching and Wetland Exploration

Discover Zakouma's incredible avian diversity with over 370 bird species recorded in the park. Explore seasonal wetlands and permanent water sources that attract massive concentrations of waterbirds, raptors, and migratory species, making it one of Central Africa's premier birding destinations.

Booking Tip: Best birding is November-March during migration season. Hire specialized birding guides for $50-100 per day. Bring quality binoculars and field guides. Early morning and late afternoon sessions offer best viewing opportunities.

Cultural Visits to Local Communities

Engage with local communities living around the park to learn about traditional lifestyles, cultural practices, and how conservation efforts benefit local people. Visit villages to see traditional crafts, participate in cultural exchanges, and understand the human dimension of wildlife conservation.

Booking Tip: Arrange through park management or community liaisons for $30-50 per visit. Best combined with wildlife activities. Respect local customs and bring small gifts like school supplies. Community visits support local development projects.

Night Drives and Nocturnal Wildlife

Experience the African bush after dark on guided night drives to spot nocturnal species like leopards, civets, and various small carnivores. Listen to the sounds of the African night while searching for the glowing eyes of animals that remain hidden during daylight hours.

Booking Tip: Available only through official park guides for $100-150 per vehicle. Limited availability and weather dependent. Bring warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly at night. Book in conjunction with day activities for best rates.

Getting There

Reaching Zakouma National Park requires careful planning due to its remote location. Most visitors fly into N'Djamena, Chad's capital, then take a domestic flight to Sarh (about 1 hour) followed by a 3-4 hour drive to the park. Alternatively, it's possible to drive directly from N'Djamena (approximately 8-10 hours on challenging roads). The park operates charter flights during peak season for groups, which can be arranged through African Parks. All visitors must obtain a Chad visa in advance and arrange park permits through official channels.

Getting Around

Transportation within Zakouma is exclusively by 4WD vehicles due to rough terrain and seasonal flooding. The park provides guided game drives with experienced rangers who serve as both drivers and wildlife guides. Private vehicles are not permitted without official guides for safety and conservation reasons. Walking is only allowed in designated areas and always with armed rangers due to the presence of dangerous wildlife. All movements within the park must be coordinated with park headquarters for safety and security purposes.

Where to Stay

Tinga Camp (luxury tented accommodation)

Camp Nomade (mobile camping)

Zakouma Lodge (park accommodation)

Community guesthouses near Sarh

N'Djamena hotels (for transit)

Camping areas within the park

Food & Dining

Dining options in Zakouma are limited to park accommodations and camps, which typically serve hearty meals featuring local ingredients and international cuisine adapted to bush conditions. Tinga Camp offers the most sophisticated dining with fresh ingredients flown in regularly, while other accommodations provide simple but nutritious meals around campfires under the stars. Visitors should expect communal dining experiences that foster camaraderie among fellow travelers. All food and beverages must be brought into the park or arranged through accommodation providers, as there are no restaurants or shops within the park boundaries.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Zakouma National Park is during the dry season from December to April, when wildlife concentrates around water sources and roads are most accessible. March and April offer the best game viewing as vegetation is sparse and animals are easily spotted. The wet season (May-November) brings lush landscapes and excellent birding opportunities but also flooding, difficult road conditions, and higher temperatures. Many camps close during the wettest months (July-September). For photographers, the dry season provides better lighting and animal behavior opportunities, while bird enthusiasts should consider the transition periods for migration viewing.

Insider Tips

Bring a satellite phone or GPS device as cell coverage is non-existent in the park and emergencies require immediate communication with park headquarters

Pack light-colored, long-sleeved clothing to protect against sun and insects, plus warm layers for surprisingly cold nights and early mornings

Support conservation efforts by purchasing park merchandise and making donations to African Parks, as tourism revenue directly funds anti-poaching operations and community development programs

Things to Do in Zakouma National Park