Call Us Contact Us
  • Will Bolsover, Chad

Highlights and main attractions of Zakouma National Park

Zakouma National Park, located in the south of Chad, is one of the most heavily protected areas in Africa and spans over 3000km2 of parkland. Established in the 1950’s to counter giraffe poaching and other wildlife declines, Zakouma fast became a haven for growing numbers of endangered wildlife. Today, Zakouma is successfully protecting a variety of species including, elephant, giraffe, roan antelope and Lelwel’s hartebeest and has witnessed an increase in buffalo numbers from just 220 animals in 1986 to over 10,000 today.

VISITING ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK IS ADVISED DURING THE DRY SEASON, BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND APRIL, DUE TO THE WILDLIFE CONGREGATING IN THE EASTERN HALF OF THE PARK WHERE THE PANS AND FLOODPLAINS PROVIDE WATER AND GRAZING. A SPECTACULAR GAME SIGHT TO SEE FOR ANY TRAVELLER!

Zakouma National Park Quick Facts

1
Size: the park spans over 3,000km2.
2
Unique for: home to 50 percent of Africa's Kordofan giraffe population.
3
Wildlife spotting: excellent for elephant, lion and leopard viewing.
4
Conservation: Zakouma National Park is one of the most heavily protected areas in Africa.
Will Bolsover, Chad

Zakouma National Park

Zakouma National Park was opened in the 1950’s to provide a refuge for the wildlife populations who were, and still are, at risk from poaching. There are around 66 mammal species in the park, including 50 percent of the world's population of Kordofan giraffe and the Central African Savannah buffalo. Predators, herbivores and primates inhabit the park with a variety being seen on game drives; if you are lucky you may catch sight of the resident lion pride or even an elusive leopard or two… 

A diverse range of bird species reside within the park, with a total of 388 recorded, including some 40 raptor species. The wetlands form part of the RAMSAR site “Inundation Plains of Bahr Auok and Salamat”, which is one of the largest in the world, and acts as a breeding area for the birds.  

The threatened species found at Zakouma are diverse, from the black-crowned crane to the African elephant. In 2002, there were over 4,350 elephants in Zakouma, but this plummeted to just 545 by 2011. Since then, populations have begun to increase once more as a result of the work of the resident rangers. The black-crowned crane population is also rich within Zakouma National Park as their habitat outside of the parklands has been destroyed in many areas. 

ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK IS THE ONLY LOCATION IN WHICH THE RARE BLACK-BREASTED BARBET CAN BE VIEWED BY TOURISTS.

Book your Chad Safari

Contact one of our Destination Specialists to start planning your journey to Chad. Please note we recommend a budget of from £7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination.

Contact Us