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Wildlife and Wilderness

Zakouma National Park

Unlike some other African safari destinations, Chad remains relatively untouched. The wild experiences this remote destination offers are unparalleled. Venturing into the rugged Zakouma National Park is truly unique and regarded as one of Africa’s best kept secrets.

A conservation success story, Zakouma National Park has returned from the brink under the solid management of African Parks, working alongside the Chadian government, and offers an absolute abundance and variety of mammal, bird and tree species not easily seen elsewhere. Visiting the park is one of the best ways to support conservation, communities, and the long- term future of this incredible and important wildlife area. We will have unique behind-the- scenes experiences, whilst being able to meet & interact with the team that manage the park on the ground. Hopefully various members of the team will join us through the course of the week to provide deeper insight into what it takes to conserve such a vast area of wild Africa.

To explore this remote national park where you can encounter large herds of elephants and understand their unique behavioural patterns, spot the nocturnal cats on night drives, enjoy the prolific birdlife, sleep under the stars by the river in basic fly tents on an overnight fly camping excursion and spend time with the Africa Parks team to understand their role in preserving one of the last remaining intact Sudano-Sahelian ecosystems in Africa makes for a truly spectacular safari. It is with this in mind that we designed this specialist lead safari and having Zimbabwean private guide Rob Janisch traveling with you throughout the trip elevates this safari to another level.

Anthony Kaschula

Ant Kaschula is internationally celebrated as one of Africa’s premier professional safari guides, known for his intellectual curiosity and broad-ranging interests.

Discover Ant Kaschula's Story

Camp Nomade

Camp Nomade is a high-end mobile safari camp designed to capture the romance of the nomadic culture that is an integral part of Chadian/Sahelian culture. Under African Parks’ management since 2010, Zakouma has become a world-renowned case study for successful elephant conservation in a challenging environment.

Zakouma National Park

Zakouma National Park is a protected area located in southeastern Chad, in the region of Salamat. It was established in 1963 and covers an area of 3,000 square kilometers.

Zakouma National Park

Zakouma National Park is a protected area located in south-eastern Chad, in the region of Salamat. It was established in 1963 and covers an area of 3,000km2. The park is known for its diverse to a healthy population of lions as well as large herds of elephants and buffalo or marvel at the clouds of millions of quelea birds as they set off through the early morning skies and come into roost as you enjoy sundowners on the pans.wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and many species of antelope.

In the past, Zakouma National Park faced significant challenges such as poaching, habitat destruction, and conflict with local communities. However, in recent years, the park has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the efforts of African Parks, a non-profit organization that manages several national parks in Africa. African Parks took over management of Zakouma National Park in 2010, and since then, they have implemented a range of conservation measures, including anti-poaching patrols, community outreach programs, and infrastructure development. As a result, the park’s elephant population has increased from just a few hundred in 2010 to over 6,000 today, making Zakouma one of the most successful conservation stories in Africa.

Activities include game drives and nature walks; sometimes you may even sit for hours observing the wildlife surrounding the huge pans in the park as there is just so much going on! Zakouma is home to a healthy population of lions as well as large herds of elephants and buffalo. Return to your camp for dinner each evening to discuss the day’s sightings around the fire and if that’s not enough you may even be able to venture out after dark in search of the park’s nocturnal creatures. Some nights may be spent fly-camping on the banks of crocodile- filled rivers so remember to keep your wits about you! This experience is dependent on weather and local conditions, and as such is only finalised in camp with the group.

Day 1: Arrive N’Djamena

Today you arrive in to N’Djamena and will be met by your dedicated expedition guide, Rob Janisch, and your team on the ground and will be transferred to your accommodation for the night, La Résidence Hotel N’Djamena.

La Résidence Hotel N'Djamena

Located in a well-designed building, La Résidence offers comfortable accommodations in N'Djamena, Chad. The hotel boasts balconies in some of its rooms, providing guests with a pleasant view of the swimming pool, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. With 55 rooms offering pool views, guests can relax in a tranquil setting after a long day of activities.

Day 2: N’Djamena - Zakouma National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer back to the airport with your team ready to catch your 2.5 hour charter flight to Zakouma National Park, across Chad’s rugged landscape before touching down and driving through the wilderness to Camp Nomade. (L, D)

Camp Nomade

Days 3 - 8: Zakouma National Park

The next 6 days will be spent discovering the park with your naturalist guides and exploring the local area. Marvel at the clouds of millions of quelea birds as they set off through the early morning skies and come into roost as you enjoy sundowners on the pans. (B, L, D)

Zakouma National Park

Zakouma National Park is a protected area located in southeastern Chad, in the region of Salamat. It was established in 1963 and covers an area of 3,000 square kilometers.

Day 9: Zakouma National Park - N’Djamena

Today is your last morning in the park before boarding your charter flight back to N’Djemena. Say goodbye to your guides before connecting to your onward international flight. (B)

Anthony Kaschula

Ant Kaschula is internationally celebrated as one of Africa’s premier professional safari guides, known for his intellectual curiosity and broad-ranging interests.

Discover Ant Kaschula's Story

A legendary guide and conservationist. With over 25 years of experience, Ant has guided discerning travellers across the length and breadth of Africa, leading expeditions into some of the continent’s most remote and untamed landscapes. His speciality lies in delivering private, under-canvas wilderness experiences that not only immerse guests in the raw beauty of nature but also foster meaningful connections between conservation philanthropists and effective conservation organizations. Ant’s diverse skill set includes roles as a hands-on conservationist, professional safari guide, qualified ecologist, former luxury safari camp owner, recreational pilot, and amateur wildlife photographer.

Camp Nomade

An exciting mobile camp in Zakouma National Park, managed by the non- profit organization, African Parks, on a long-term basis, to protect its wildlife and uplift the surrounding local communities for the ecological, financial, and social sustainability of the park.

Safari tourism in Chad is in its infancy, and we’re committed to helping the Chadian people discover the potential of their incredible natural heritage through this niche tourism development. Camp Nomade is an authentic camp designed to capture the romance of the nomadic culture that is an integral part of Chadian/ Sahelian culture.

A Bedouin style camp that has all you need with 8 tents each with a bed, chest and clothes rack. Behind each tent there is a private bathroom with self-compost loo and bucket shower. The communal mess area of the camp is where you’ll spend your afternoon’s relaxing between game drives. The camp is solar powered and offers limited laundry. In the evening, the camp is lit by lanterns creating a romantic setting, reminiscent of bygone years.