Things to Do in Chad in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Chad
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with virtually zero rainfall - November is one of the driest months in Chad, making it perfect for visiting remote desert regions like the Ennedi Plateau and Tibesti Mountains without getting stranded by flash floods that plague the rainy season
- Comfortable morning temperatures around 22°C (72°F) before 9am make early-start desert excursions and wildlife viewing at Zakouma National Park genuinely pleasant, before the midday heat kicks in
- Lake Chad water levels are at their annual high following October rains, meaning better boat access to islands and improved wildlife concentrations around remaining water sources - hippos and waterbirds are easier to spot
- Harmattan winds haven't fully arrived yet - you'll get clear visibility for photography and desert exploration, unlike December-February when dust storms can reduce visibility to 100 m (328 ft) and ruin your shots of the Guelta d'Archei
Considerations
- Midday temperatures hit 38-42°C (100-108°F) in desert areas, making outdoor activities between 11am-4pm genuinely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous without proper preparation - you'll need to structure your entire day around the heat
- This is peak season for the limited tourism Chad receives, meaning the handful of decent hotels in N'Djamena and Zakouma book out 2-3 months ahead, and expedition costs are at their annual high (typically 15-20% more than shoulder season)
- Dust levels are still significant even without full Harmattan conditions - expect a fine layer of Saharan dust on everything, and if you have respiratory issues, you'll feel it by day three
Best Activities in November
Zakouma National Park Wildlife Safaris
November is arguably the single best month for wildlife viewing at Zakouma. The park's waterholes are still full from rainy season but vegetation is drying out, concentrating elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and the critically endangered Kordofan giraffes around predictable water sources. Morning game drives starting at 5:30am take advantage of cool temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and peak animal activity. The park's elephant population of 559 individuals (as of 2024 census) is most visible now before they disperse in the wet season. You'll also catch massive bird migrations - carmine bee-eaters and thousands of waterbirds stage here in November.
Ennedi Plateau Rock Art Expeditions
The Ennedi's ancient rock art sites and dramatic sandstone formations are accessible in November before the Harmattan makes conditions truly harsh. You're looking at 7,000-year-old petroglyphs and paintings at sites like Niola Doa without the December-February dust storms that obscure photography and make camping miserable. The famous Guelta d'Archei - a permanent water pool where Saharan crocodiles still survive - has its best water levels in November. Daytime temps reach 40°C (104°F) but mornings are actually pleasant for hiking between formations. This is serious expedition territory, not a casual day trip.
N'Djamena Cultural and Market Tours
The capital is hot in November but manageable if you time things right. The Grand Marche is best visited between 7-9am when temperatures are tolerable and vendors are setting up fresh produce, textiles, and leather goods from across the Sahel. The National Museum's collection of Sao civilization artifacts and traditional instruments makes sense as a midday refuge when it's 39°C (102°F) outside. The nearby Gaoui village (15 km/9.3 miles from center) has traditional Sao-style architecture and pottery workshops - go in late afternoon around 4pm when things cool slightly. November timing means you'll catch the city before the worst dust season hits.
Lake Chad Basin Boat Excursions
November offers the best lake conditions you'll get - water levels are at their peak following rainy season, making boat access to fishing villages and islands actually feasible. The lake has shrunk to roughly 10% of its 1960s size, but what remains supports fascinating communities of Buduma and Kanembu fishermen living on floating reed islands. You'll see traditional papyrus boats, fish-drying operations, and waterbirds including pelicans and herons. The experience is ethnographically fascinating but logistically complex - this is a sensitive border region touching Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
Tibesti Mountains Volcano Trekking
For serious adventure travelers only - the Tibesti range in far northern Chad contains Emi Koussi, the highest peak in the Sahara at 3,445 m (11,302 ft), and the active Toussidé volcano. November offers the last reasonable window before winter Harmattan winds make conditions brutal. You're looking at multi-day treks through volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and rock formations that feel genuinely otherworldly. This is extremely remote - the nearest significant settlement is days away by 4WD. Security situation varies year to year, so current clearance is essential.
Traditional Wrestling Matches
November falls during the traditional wrestling season across Chad - these aren't tourist shows but genuine community events, especially in Sara regions around Sarh and Moundou. Wrestlers compete in elaborate ceremonies with drummers, dancers, and significant local betting. The atmosphere is electric and offers rare insight into Chadian cultural traditions that predate colonial influence. Matches typically happen on weekend afternoons, and as a foreigner you'll draw attention but are generally welcomed if you show respect.
November Events & Festivals
Independence Day Celebrations
November 28th marks Chad's independence from France in 1960. N'Djamena hosts military parades, traditional dance performances, and cultural exhibitions at the Place de la Nation. It's the biggest national celebration of the year, offering genuine insight into Chadian national identity and regional diversity - you'll see traditional dress and dances from Sara, Kanembu, Toubou, and Arab communities. The atmosphere is festive but also deeply patriotic. Hotels in the capital book solid for this period.