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Wildlife and Wilderness in 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.

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. 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 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.

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.

African born and bred, Rob began his love affair of ‘all things wild’ as a young boy - a childhood, much of which was spent in the African wilderness, climbing trees, watching birds and jumping off waterfalls. Over 20 years on, Rob is still at his happiest beating about the bush, introducing guests to the wild wonders of Africa, and developing a deep understanding of the genius of the natural world. Today, Rob takes clients on exclusive, specialist guided safaris across the continent – experiential adventures in Africa’s wild wonderlands. He has two mantras that he follows in life: The beaten path is for the beaten man and Einstein’s profound: Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

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The Safari

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. There are a number of things to do in N’Djamena so depending on what time you arrive you may choose to relax in the hotel after your flight or head out to explore the city.

Day 2: N’Djamena - Zakouma National Park

After an early breakfast your Chad adventure really begins. Transfer back to the airport with your team ready to catch your charter flight to Zakouma National Park. Board your Cessna Caravan 208 for the approximately 2.5 hour flight across Chad’s rugged landscape before touching down and driving through the wilderness to Camp Nomade, your home for the next week. (L, D)

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.

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. (B, L, D)

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)

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.