3 day tour – Chad

Itinerary

Day 1 – N’Djamena

Arrival in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. Meet your local guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, we begin exploring the city. Located on the banks of the Chari River, N’Djamena is a fascinating mix of Sahelian culture, colonial history and modern African city life. We start with a visit to the National Museum, home to archaeological finds from the ancient Sao civilization, traditional artefacts and exhibits on Chad’s diverse ethnic groups.

We continue through the city centre, passing Independence Square and the Monument de la Nation, one of the city’s main landmarks. We also visit the impressive Grand Mosque of N’Djamena, with its large minarets dominating the skyline, and the nearby Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, one of the most important Christian sites in the country.

Explore the lively market and artisanal centre, where local craftsmen sell traditional leatherwork, jewellery, textiles and pottery.

Overnight stay in a hotel in N’Djamena.

Day 2 – N‘Djamena – Hajer Lamis – Douguiya

After breakfast, we leave the capital and drive north into the dry plains of Hadjer-Lamis. This region lies in the wider Sahel zone near Lake Chad, an area shaped by seasonal movement, nomadic communities and desert landscapes.

We make our way to Elephant Rock, a striking granite formation that resembles an elephant. It is one of the best-known natural landmarks near N’Djamena.

We continue to Douguia, a quiet settlement on the banks of the Chari River. The contrast with the dry plains is beautiful: river life, fishing boats, birds and small villages along the water.

Overnight stay in our camp in Douguia.

Day 3 – N’Djamena – Koundoul – Gaoui

In the morning, we return towards N’Djamena and continue into the Chari-Baguirmi region. Around Koundoul, we meet nomadic Arab communities and learn more about life in the Sahel, where mobility, livestock and seasonal conditions still shape daily routines. Chadian Arab communities are widely present in Chari-Baguirmi and are often semi-nomadic.

In the afternoon, we visit Gaoui, a historic village just outside N’Djamena. Gaoui is traditionally linked to the Sao civilization and is known for its mud-brick architecture, pottery and the former Sultan’s palace, which now serves as a small museum. It’s one of Chad’s most important cultural sites, where history, folklore and local craftsmanship come together.

Return to N’Djamena for airport drop-off.