Things to Do in Chad in March

March Weather in Chad

38°C (100°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak - minimal rainfall makes remote areas accessible via 4WD, including northern Ennedi Plateau routes that become impassable during rains
Perfect wildlife viewing conditions - animals congregate around permanent water sources like Zakouma National Park's waterholes, making game spotting predictable between 6-9am and 4-6pm
Crystal clear desert skies ideal for stargazing - March offers 12+ hours of darkness with virtually zero light pollution across 80% of the country
Harmattan winds subside - dust storms drop from December/January peaks to only 2-3 days per month, improving visibility for photography and desert excursions

Considerations

Extreme midday heat reaches 38-42°C (100-108°F) - outdoor activities impossible 11am-4pm, severely limiting daily exploration time
Water sources stress wildlife and locals alike - ethical concerns around tourism pressure on scarce resources, especially in rural communities
Dust and sand infiltrate everything despite reduced storms - camera equipment, electronics, and clothing require constant protection and cleaning

Best Activities in March

Zakouma National Park Safari Drives

March represents peak game viewing season as the dry conditions force elephants, lions, and antelope to concentrate around reliable water sources. Early morning drives (6-9am) offer temperatures of 24-28°C (75-82°F) and exceptional wildlife photography opportunities. The park's 3,000 km² (1,158 sq miles) becomes fully accessible with all roads passable.

Booking Tip: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead through registered park operators. Full-day packages typically cost $180-250 USD including park fees, guide, and vehicle. Book directly with Chad National Parks Authority or through certified N'Djamena tour operators. Reference booking widget for current safari options.

Ennedi Plateau Rock Art Expeditions

Dry season access to UNESCO World Heritage petroglyphs and natural arches. March offers stable weather for 4-7 day camping expeditions to remote sites like Aloba Arch. Daytime temperatures require dawn-to-10am and 4pm-sunset exploration windows. Night temperatures drop to comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) for camping.

Booking Tip: Multi-day expeditions require 6-8 weeks advance booking and cost $300-500 USD per day including 4WD transport, camping gear, guide, and permits. Only attempt with experienced local operators holding Ennedi access permits. See current expedition options in booking section below.

Lake Chad Basin Cultural Tours

March's dry conditions allow access to fishing communities and traditional salt harvesting operations along Lake Chad's receded shoreline. Temperatures moderate near the water to 32-35°C (90-95°F). Witness ancient fishing techniques and engage with Buduma island communities during their pre-rainy season preparations.

Booking Tip: Day tours cost $120-180 USD including boat transport and cultural guide. Book through N'Djamena operators with established community partnerships. Respect photography restrictions in villages. Current cultural tour options available in booking widget below.

Sahara Desert Camel Trekking

Northern desert regions become accessible with stable weather and minimal sandstorms. Multi-day camel expeditions to remote oases and ancient caravan routes. March offers optimal conditions with cool nights for camping (10-15°C/50-59°F) and manageable day heat for 5-6 hours of trekking.

Booking Tip: 2-5 day treks range $200-400 USD per day including camels, Tubu guides, camping equipment, and meals. Book exclusively through licensed desert guides with satellite communication equipment. Minimum 4 weeks advance booking required for permits and logistics.

Traditional Music and Dance Workshops

March marks preparation season for post-harvest celebrations in southern Chad. Participate in traditional Sara, Ngambaye, and Mbaye music sessions during the cooler evening hours (6-9pm). Learn traditional instruments like the balafon and participate in harvest dance preparations.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions cost $40-80 USD for 3-4 hour experiences. Arrange through cultural centers in Sarh, Moundou, or N'Djamena. Evening timing essential to avoid heat. Local cultural associations offer authentic experiences versus tourist-focused presentations.

Traditional Pottery and Crafts Learning

Visit master potters in villages around Guelendeng and Bongor during March's optimal clay-working conditions. Low humidity (35%) perfect for pottery drying and traditional textile work. Participate in creating traditional water vessels and decorative ceramics using techniques unchanged for centuries.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshops cost $60-100 USD including materials, instruction, and village guide. Arrange through cultural cooperatives 2-3 weeks ahead. Morning sessions (7-11am) avoid peak heat while maintaining optimal working conditions for clay and natural dyes.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Traditional Harvest Celebration Preparations

Southern communities prepare for post-harvest festivals with traditional craft making, granary blessing ceremonies, and community feast preparations. Visitors can observe traditional brewing techniques and participate in communal grain processing methods passed down through generations.

Early to Mid March

Nomadic Seasonal Migration

Witness the spectacular movement of Fulani and Arab pastoralists with their cattle herds moving toward wet season pastures. This ancient migration pattern offers unique photographic opportunities and cultural insights into traditional livestock management across Chad's varied ecosystems.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and zinc oxide stick - UV index 11 causes burns in under 10 minutes of direct exposure

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants in light colors - protect from sun while allowing airflow in 35% humidity conditions

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for 6+ hours daily sun protection and frequent wind gusts

Quality dust masks or bandanas - protect airways during occasional sandstorms and dusty 4WD travel on unpaved roads

Insulated water bottles (2-3 liters/0.5-0.8 gallons capacity) - maintain cool water temperature in 38°C+ (100°F+) heat

Headlamp with extra batteries - essential for pre-dawn wildlife viewing starts at 5:30am and evening camp activities

Closed-toe hiking boots - protect feet from hot sand (surface temperatures exceed 60°C/140°F) and thorny desert vegetation

Lightweight sleeping bag rated for 10°C (50°F) - desert night temperatures drop dramatically from daytime highs

Portable shade shelter or lightweight tarp - create essential midday refuge when no natural shade available for 200+ km (124+ miles)

Electronics protection bags - sealed cases for cameras, phones, and chargers against omnipresent fine dust infiltration

Insider Knowledge

Fill fuel tanks and carry extra jerrycans before heading to remote areas - gas stations outside major towns often run dry for weeks, especially in northern regions beyond Faya-Largeau

Negotiate fixed prices for everything upfront including 'extras' like fuel surcharges, guide tips, and park fees - March tourism influx leads to creative pricing adjustments for foreign visitors

Stock up on bottled water in N'Djamena or Sarh - remote areas charge 3-5x city prices and quality varies dramatically, especially around mining areas where groundwater contamination occurs

Respect photograph restrictions strictly - many communities require payment or permission for photos, and military/government installations are absolutely prohibited with severe penalties including detention

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating water needs - most tourists pack 1-2 liters but require 4-6 liters (1-1.5 gallons) daily in March heat, leading to dangerous dehydration during day trips

Planning midday activities - scheduling wildlife viewing or desert excursions between 11am-4pm results in heat exhaustion and missed opportunities as animals shelter during peak temperatures

Ignoring dust protection for electronics - failing to seal cameras and phones leads to equipment failure from fine Sahara dust that penetrates standard protective cases