Things to Do in Chad in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Chad
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Low tourist numbers mean you'll have sites like the Ennedi Massif and Zakouma National Park essentially to yourself - guides are more available and willing to customize itineraries without the pressure of back-to-back bookings
- Wildlife viewing at Zakouma reaches its peak as animals concentrate around remaining water sources - elephant herds of 300-plus gather at waterholes, and you'll spot giraffes, buffalo, and big cats with unusual ease
- Dry conditions make remote desert areas accessible - the Saharan tracks to Ounianga Lakes and Tibesti Mountains are passable without the mud concerns of the rainy season, though you'll need experienced drivers
- Lake Chad's fishing communities are active before the rains arrive - you can witness traditional fishing methods and the daily fish markets in Bol are at their most vibrant with fresh catches being smoked and dried
Considerations
- Extreme heat makes midday activity genuinely dangerous - temperatures regularly hit 42-45°C (108-113°F) in N'Djamena and desert areas, limiting outdoor exploration to early morning and late afternoon hours only
- Harmattan dust storms can ground flights and reduce visibility to under 100 m (328 ft) - these typically last 2-4 hours but can disrupt travel plans, particularly in the northern desert regions
- Limited infrastructure means heat exhaustion is a real risk - air conditioning is inconsistent outside major hotels, and medical facilities are basic, so you're managing heat stress largely on your own
Best Activities in May
Zakouma National Park Wildlife Safaris
May is actually the prime month for wildlife viewing as the dry season forces animals to concentrate around permanent water sources. You'll see massive elephant herds, sometimes 400-strong, gathering at waterholes during the golden hour. The park's lion population is most visible now, and bird colonies are nesting. The heat is intense, but morning game drives starting at 5:30am offer comfortable temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) with exceptional wildlife density. Most tours run 3-4 days with camping inside the park.
Ounianga Lakes Desert Expeditions
The UNESCO-listed Ounianga Lakes are most accessible in May when desert tracks are completely dry and hard-packed. These 18 interconnected lakes in the Sahara create surreal turquoise and emerald pools against orange sand dunes. The dry season means crystal-clear visibility for photography, though you'll need to start at dawn - by 10am, the heat becomes oppressive. Expeditions typically involve 4x4 convoys covering 800 km (497 miles) from Faya-Largeau over 4-5 days with desert camping.
N'Djamena Cultural and Market Tours
The capital's Grand Marché is most active in May before the rainy season disrupts supply chains. You'll find the best selection of traditional textiles, leather goods, and the fascinating silver jewelry from northern tribes. Early morning visits from 6-9am avoid the worst heat while catching the produce market at its busiest. The National Museum's collection of Sao civilization artifacts is worth 90 minutes in air-conditioned comfort during midday heat. Evening strolls along the Chari River offer decent breezes and sunset views toward Cameroon.
Lake Chad Fishing Village Experiences
May is peak fishing season before rains change water levels. Villages around Bol offer genuine insight into traditional fishing methods using papyrus reed boats and communal net fishing. The fish smoking operations are fascinating - watching thousands of tilapia and catfish being processed using traditional methods unchanged for generations. Morning boat trips on the lake depart at 5:30am when the water is calm and temperatures manageable at 24°C (75°F). The markets in Bol between 7-10am are extraordinary for photography and cultural immersion.
Ennedi Massif Rock Art and Canyon Exploration
The Ennedi's ancient rock art sites and dramatic sandstone formations are accessible in May's dry conditions, though the heat is brutal. The famous Aloba Arch, one of the world's largest natural arches at 120 m (394 ft) tall, and the Guelta d'Archei canyon with its permanent water source attracting desert crocodiles are highlights. Temperatures in the canyons can be 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than open desert. These expeditions require 7-10 days from Fada and involve serious desert camping with temperatures dropping to 18°C (64°F) at night.
Chari River Sunset Boat Trips
Evening boat trips on the Chari River in N'Djamena offer relief from the day's heat and beautiful views of traditional fishing activity and riverside villages. Departures around 5pm catch the cooler evening temperatures of 32-35°C (90-95°F) and golden light. You'll see hippos occasionally, though they're more active at dawn. The river breeze makes this one of the few comfortable outdoor activities during May's peak heat. Trips last 90 minutes to 2 hours and end at sunset around 6:30pm.
May Events & Festivals
Fishing Season Peak at Lake Chad
May marks the height of the traditional fishing season before rains alter water levels. Villages around Bol host daily fish markets where you'll see traditional smoking and drying techniques, and the social dynamics of fishing communities become most visible. This isn't a formal festival but rather the rhythm of life intensifying - dozens of papyrus boats returning with catches, women processing fish, traders negotiating prices. It's authentic cultural immersion without tourist infrastructure.