What to see, what to do Chad?
The 10 good reasons to go Chad
Ancestral cultures
As the cradle of humanity, Chad boasts a cultural diversity that is rare in Africa.
The Tibesti massif
In the far north of the country, Tibesti is home to the Emi Koussi volcano, the country's highest peak.
The Ounianga lakes
the largest lake complex in the Sahara is a must-see in the country.
Ethnic diversity
More than 100 languages are spoken in this country inhabited by over 200 ethnic groups.
A rich and varied fauna
The country abounds in wild animals, now well protected from man.
The markets
Every town has its own market, where it's often pleasant to wander aimlessly.
Lake Chad
Fed by the Chari River, Lake Chad has long been the world's largest freshwater lake.
Chadian cuisine
The country's ethnic diversity is reflected in its original and varied cuisine.
The fascinating Sahel
A land of nomads, the Sahel harbors a wealth of riches that must be earned.
Friendly locals
Wherever you ask for directions, the answer will always be accompanied by a smile.
What to visit Chad?
Good to know to visit Chad
Timetable
As in any hot country, business starts as soon as the sun rises, with shops opening as early as 7am or 7:30am and closing late in the evening. Some close between 12.30 and 3.30 pm. Markets, like the Central Market, display their wares early in the morning and pack up around 5pm.
For administrative offices, it's a continuous day, from 7.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays are special, as this is the day of the High Prayer, so administrations generally close at 11am.
Public holidays are quite numerous, as Christian holidays are added to Muslim ones.
may 1: Labour Day.
august 11: Independence Day (national holiday).
november 28: Proclamation of the Republic.
december 1: Freedom and Democracy Day.
may 5: Ascension Day.
august 15: Assumption Day.
november 1: All Saints' Day.
december 25: Christmas.
tabaski or Aïd el-Adha (feast of the sheep or sacrifice).
Al Maouloud Annabaoui (birth of the Prophet).
Aïd el-Fitr (feast at the end of Ramadan).
To be booked
If you're planning to visit the National Museum in N'Djamena, we recommend you drop in the day before to make an appointment with a French-speaking guide who will accompany you on an instructive tour of this great museum.
What's very local
In the villages, the Koranic school is held in the central public square, where night fires are lit. The children gather around a marabout in the evening and early morning to copy the day's Koranic verses onto their wooden tablet(lôh), which they recite together until they learn them by heart. If they make a mistake, they are hit or whipped by the master. Every day, the lôh is washed with water and prepared for the next lesson. Children must memorize the 114 suras of the Koran before being circumcised.
