Chad: Zakouma National Park
Join a specialist safari guide to explore the abundant wildlife and rugged landscapes of Zakouma National Park, one of Africa's last remaining wildernesses.
From 20500 per personMenu
Wildlife in Chad
The rugged untouched landscapes and vast plains of Zakouma National Park welcome an abundance of wildlife.
Explore the Wildlife of Zakouma National Park
Zakouma National Park is home to popular predators like lion, hyenas and leopard, but also large herds of central African savannah buffalo, elephant, and endemic species such as the pale fox and the Kordofan giraffe. Over 500 waterbird and wildfowl species, 2000 crowned cranes, the Egyptian plover and the black-capped Gondek can also be found in the park. The park's seasonal floodplains and acacia woodlands support one of the most diverse and abundant concentrations of wildlife in Central Africa.
Big Cats
Chad's big cats face various conservation challenges, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and poaching. Conservation efforts in Chad aim to protect these iconic predators and their natural habitats. Zakouma has become a model for successful big cat conservation, with rising lion populations and increased sightings of leopards and hyenas.
Chad Safaris
CAR & Chad Safari
Travel on an unforgettable and one-off journey combining two very unique counties. Unlike more popular safari destinations, the Central African Republic and Chad remain as hidden gems, providing a unique opportunity to explore untouched terrain, where untamed wilderness and extraordinary encounters await. This expert-led safari promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, conservation, and remarkable encounters in some of Africa’s few untouched wilderness areas.
From 52500 per personAfrican Lion
Lions are found in various regions of Chad, particularly in national parks and protected areas such as Zakouma National Park in the south. They are social animals and often live in prides consisting of several females, their offspring, and one or more dominant males. Lions in Chad are part of the West African population of lions, which is considered vulnerable and is adapted to a variety of habitats, from grasslands to woodlands.
African Leopard
One of the most versatile carnivores, the African leopard changes its coat depending on its environment, and can be found anywhere from grasslands to savannahs and mountainous forests. They are solitary animals known for their elusive nature and are skilled climbers, often resting in trees during the day and typically hunt alone.
Birds of Chad
Chad's varied ecosystems, from wetlands to savannahs, support an impressive diversity of birdlife. Iconic species include the Secretary Bird, African Fish Eagle, vultures, hornbills, and the Marabou Stork. Around Lake Chad, you may also spot both Great White Pelicans and Pink-backed Pelicans, recognisable by their large wingspans and distinctive throat pouches. During the winter months, the region becomes a vital stopover for migratory species arriving from Europe and Asia in search of warmer climates and abundant food sources.
Fennec Fox
The smallest species of fox, the Fennec Fox has adapted its coat and ears to the high temperatures and little water of the desert environment, eating mainly insects and small mammals and birds.
Striped Hyena
The smallest subspecies of hyenas, the striped hyena competes with other predators such as leopards and cheetahs due to its diet. Unlike its more famous cousin, the laughing hyena, this species of hyena is a scavenger mostly feeding on ungulate carcasses as well as bones and ligaments.
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.
Read more...Chad Wildlife Safari Highlights
Why Natural World Safaris for your Chad Safari?
Conservation Minded
We are proud to support responsible travel to Zakouma National Park — a beacon of conservation success in central Africa. Run by African Parks, this vast wilderness is home to thriving populations of elephants, lions and Kordofan giraffes, thanks to an extraordinary recovery effort. By travelling with us, you contribute directly to the protection of this unique ecosystem and the communities that help sustain it.
Wealth of Experience
Chad may be one of Africa’s last true frontiers, but our experience here runs deep. We work closely with African Parks and our trusted partners on the ground to ensure seamless logistics, exceptional guiding, and privileged access to remote corners of Zakouma. Our clients don’t just visit — they become part of something bigger.
Wildlife Specialists
Zakouma offers wildlife encounters like nowhere else — from dramatic elephant gatherings to skies dark with millions of queleas. Our trips are timed with the seasons to maximise your chances of seeing the region’s most iconic species in peak activity. Expect expert guides, immersive experiences, and a front-row seat to one of Africa’s greatest wildlife turnarounds.