9 Days | 8 Nights – N’Djamena & Zakouma National Park 26.1. – 11.2.2027
Highlights:
Search for rare and remarkable species, including the Tiang antelope and the Kordofan giraffe.
Discover one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories under the stewardship of African Parks.
Encounter impressive herds of elephant, buffalo, roan antelope, alongside predators such as lion and leopard.
Enjoy outstanding birdlife, from vast flocks of red-billed quelea to elegant black crowned cranes.
Stay at the intimate and beautifully styled Camp Nomade.
Travel with expert private safari guide Peter Allison throughout the journey.
About This Safari: Have You Heard of Zakouma?
Tucked away in the heart of central Africa, Zakouma National Park is one of the continent’s most extraordinary — and least explored — wilderness areas. In 2027, this remote and remarkable reserve is the setting for our exclusive expedition.
Far from the well-trodden safari routes, Zakouma’s isolation is part of its allure. Since African Parks took over management in 2010, the park has experienced a dramatic revival. Once severely impacted by poaching, it now stands as a beacon of successful conservation, with wildlife populations rebounding in extraordinary numbers.
Today, immense herds of elephant roam the floodplains once more, predator populations are strengthening, and rare antelope species thrive. The skies are alive with birdlife, and the surrounding region offers meaningful opportunities to engage with nomadic communities and learn about their enduring traditions.
This journey is more than a safari — it is a rare opportunity to witness one of Africa’s most powerful conservation transformations firsthand.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: N’Djamena, Chad
Arrive in N’Djamena, the dynamic capital of Chad, and transfer to Hotel Le Residence for your first evening.
The city offers a fascinating introduction to the country, with colorful markets, lively restaurants, and a distinctive blend of Sahelian and Saharan cultures.
Days 2–8: Zakouma National Park
Travel approximately 800 kilometres east aboard a Cessna Caravan to reach Zakouma National Park. Your home for the next seven nights is Camp Nomade.
This seasonal tented camp operates for only three months each year before being carefully dismantled during the rainy season. Owned and managed by African Parks, the camp ensures that your stay directly supports the ongoing protection and management of the park.
The tents draw inspiration from traditional Sahelian nomadic design and are decorated with locally woven textiles, brass accents, and handcrafted details. Each tent includes:
En-suite private bathroom
Bucket shower with plentiful hot water
Long-drop toilet
Comfortable beds with mosquito nets
Sweeping views across the surrounding wilderness
Camp Nomade offers understated comfort and authentic adventure — ideal for those seeking a refined yet immersive safari experience.
The Safari Experience
Each day unfolds according to wildlife movements and your personal interests. With 66 recorded mammal species, potential sightings include:
Kordofan giraffe
Lion, leopard, and African wild dog
Large herds of buffalo
Roan antelope, kudu, hartebeest, and more
Birdwatchers will find Zakouma equally captivating. The park is home to 388 recorded bird species, including 40 species of raptor and the striking carmine bee-eater. The spectacle of swirling red-billed quelea flocks is truly unforgettable.
Day 9: Return to N’Djamena
Fly back to N’Djamena for your final evening before departing for home.
Many guests choose to extend their journey with an additional week in neighboring Ethiopia — a wonderful complement to the Chad experience.
When to Go
The ideal time to visit Zakouma is during the dry season, from November to April. At this time, wildlife congregates around water sources, offering exceptional viewing opportunities.
During the wet season (May to October), certain areas may become inaccessible due to flooding, and wildlife disperses more widely. However, this period can offer rewarding migratory birdwatching.
Included in the Package:
Specialist safari guide Peter Allison for the duration of the expedition
Accommodation at Zakouma with all meals and drinks included
All scheduled safari activities and park fees
Charter flights between N’Djamena and Zakouma
Airport transfers in N’Djamena
Excluded from the Package
Personal expenses (telephone, shopping, etc.)
Premium brand beverages
Drinks at Hotel Le Residence
Tips and gratuities
Comprehensive travel insurance
Additional activities
International and scheduled flights, including taxes
Visa fees (where applicable)
Cancellation, baggage, medical, and evacuation insurance
A Rare African Wilderness
Zakouma is not a conventional safari destination — and that is precisely what makes it so compelling. Remote, untamed, and deeply inspiring, this expedition provides a privileged window into one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories.
https://www.south-african-lodges.com/lodges/zakouma-expedition-safari-chad
