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Zakouma National Park: A Sahelian Jewel

Discover Zakouma National Park: Witness Africa's wildlife renaissance and explore a unique Sahelian ecosystem.

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Zakouma National Park in southeastern Chad is a remarkable conservation success story. Once on the brink of collapse due to poaching, it has been revitalized and is now a haven for diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and the endangered Kordofan giraffe. The park offers a unique safari experience in a relatively unexplored area of Africa.

A brief summary to Zakouma National Park

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (November to April) for optimal wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
  • Bring warm clothing for early morning and night drives, as temperatures can drop significantly.
  • Respect local customs by dressing conservatively when visiting villages or markets.
  • Ensure you have the necessary visas and vaccinations, including a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate.
  • Book game drives and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
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Getting There

  • Road

    The primary access to Zakouma National Park is by road from N'Djamena, Chad's capital, a journey of approximately 800 kilometers that takes 12-15 hours. Vehicles, typically 4x4s, can be hired in N'Djamena for around 250,000 CFA per day, including fuel and a driver. The route involves taking the main road to Abéché, turning right at Ngoura towards Mongo, Abou Deia, and then Am Timan. The turnoff to the park is 12km before Am Timan. Note that there may be toll fees at various roadblocks along the way. Ensure you have local currency for these fees. The entrance gate at Goz Djarat is about a 1.5-hour drive from the main road, and it is a further 45-minute drive to Tinga Camp. Costs: * 4x4 hire from N'Djamena: 250,000 CFA per day (including fuel and driver) * Toll fees: Variable, depending on the number of roadblocks

  • Air

    Alternatively, visitors can take a domestic flight from N'Djamena to Zakouma, which takes nearly 2 hours. Flights are usually operated by small aircraft. Upon arrival at the airstrip in Zakouma National Park, a short 15-minute drive will take you to Tinga Camp. Contact your tour operator for pricing as prices may vary.

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Discover more about Zakouma National Park

Zakouma National Park, established in 1963, spans 3,000 square kilometers in southeastern Chad, representing a crucial component of the Sahelian ecosystem. The park's landscape features vast floodplains, river systems, open savannahs, and woodlands, creating a rich environment for a wide array of wildlife. In the early 2000s, Zakouma faced severe challenges due to rampant poaching, particularly of its elephant population. However, a partnership between the Chadian government and African Parks in 2010 marked a turning point. Through concerted conservation efforts, including enhanced law enforcement and community engagement, poaching was dramatically reduced, and wildlife populations began to recover. Today, Zakouma is home to one of the largest remaining elephant populations in Central Africa, along with lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and various antelope species. It is also a sanctuary for the Kordofan giraffe, with approximately 50% of the world's population residing within the park. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park's diverse birdlife, with over 370 species recorded. Visitors can explore Zakouma through guided game drives and walking safaris, experiencing the beauty and wildlife of this remarkable conservation area. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when wildlife congregates around remaining water sources.

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