National park · Chad
Zakouma National ParkParc National Zakouma
Visit Zakouma: pay the entry fee (≈ 30 000 XAF per adult), drive 13 h from N'Djamena with a 4x4, and join a guided game drive in the dry season (Nov–May) for wildlife viewing.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3,000 km² (1,158 sq mi)1,158 sq mi (3,000 km²)
approximate
Established
1963
Best months
Nov–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Sort the visa before the flightCheck your own government travel advice for Chad before a…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Central Africa ↗Sort the visa before the flight: none of the seven countries reliably issues tourist visas on arrival to Western passports, and e-visas here are tied to named airports.
- Central Africa ↗Carry the original yellow fever vaccination certificate in your hand luggage; health desks at every Central African airport ask for it, and a missing card can mean refusal or a jab at the desk.
- Central Africa ↗Before booking anything in or near the DRC, read the WHO Ebola situation page and your own government's health notice: the 2026 outbreak brought quarantine and boarding rules for people who have been in the DRC.
- Chad ↗Check your own government travel advice for Chad before any booking; advice depends on your passport and changes without notice.
- Chad ↗Apply for any Chadian visa only through evisa.td, and check whether your passport can get one at all; travel outside N'Djamena needs permits.
- Chad ↗Confirm that your travel insurance and medical evacuation cover apply to Chad before you rely on it.
At a glance
- Country
- Chad
- Area
- 3,000 km² (1,158 sq mi)1,158 sq mi (3,000 km²)
- Approximately 3 000 km²; figures may vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1963
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
Zakouma National Park is a 3 000‑km² savannah reserve in southern Chad, managed by African Parks, known for large elephant herds, Kordofan giraffe, and a rich birdlife, with visitor access limited to the dry season (Nov–May) and guided game drives required.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1963.
Size and age
3,000 km² (1,158 sq mi)1,158 sq mi (3,000 km²) · national park since 1963
Approximately 3 000 km²; figures may vary by source (check).
Why go
- Large savannah with abundant wildlife, including elephants and Kordofan giraffe.
- Birding hotspot with ~400 species, especially black‑crowned cranes.
- Rare chance to see the ‘Big 5’ in a remote Central African setting.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctCaution
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, good wildlife visibility
- FebDry, good wildlife visibility
- MarDry, good wildlife visibility
- AprDry, good wildlife visibility
- MayStart of wet season, some roads muddy
- JunWet season, many tracks flooded
- JulWet season, limited access
- AugWet season, limited access
- SepWet season, limited access
- OctWet season, roads improving
- NovDry season opens, wildlife active
- DecDry season, comfortable temperatures
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ElephantsNov–May · Large herds, best seen in dry season. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Kordofan giraffeNov–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Lions, leopards, buffaloNov–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Birds (e.g., black‑crowned crane)Mar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From N'Djamena
13 h drive (≈ 860 km (534 mi)) by 4x4; rent a vehicle with driver for ~250 000 XAF per day incl. fuel.13 h drive (≈ 534 mi (860 km)) by 4x4; rent a vehicle with driver for ~250 000 XAF per day incl. fuel.
13 h
Open the page →
From N'Djamena airport
Charter flight to Zakouma airstrip (contracted by African Parks).
≈ 1 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main gate & visitor centre | Entry point, basic facilities, information desk. | Open with ticket. |
| Game drive routes | Designated tracks for guided vehicle safaris. | Guided only. |
| Tinga Camp area | Lodging and basic camp facilities. | Open to guests. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from official park website; approximate centre of the protected area.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | XAF 30,000 | person | 2026 estimate |
| Park entry (child) | XAF 15,000 | person | 2026 estimate |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- XAF 30,000
- XAF 15,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Official Zakouma website before you go.
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for all game drives and walking safaris.
- Photography
- Allowed only in designated areas; special permission needed elsewhere.
- Camping
- Not permitted outside official camps.
Where to stay
In the park
Tinga Camp
Basic camp with shared rooms, meals, and game drives.
Near the park
Nearby towns (e.g., Sarh)
Hotels and guesthouses for those preferring off‑park accommodation.
Safety
Road conditions medium
Wildlife encounters low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor centre reachable by road; short walks are on flat terrain.
- Game drives involve vehicle travel on rough tracks; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Support lodges that employ local staff and contribute to park conservation.
- Avoid unofficial tours promising close wildlife encounters.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Zakouma National Park?
Entry is about 30 000 XAF per adult and 15 000 XAF per child; tickets are bought at the gate or via your lodge.
What are the best hikes in Zakouma National Park?
Guided walking safaris of 2–3 h near Tinga Camp are the main hikes; longer game drives last 4–6 h and cover the main wildlife areas.
When is the best time to visit Zakouma National Park?
The dry season, November to May, offers the best wildlife viewing and open roads.
Can I drive myself in Zakouma?
Self‑driving is not recommended; a ranger‑accompanied 4x4 with a driver is required.
Is photography allowed?
Allowed in designated areas; elsewhere you need special permission from park authorities.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Zakouma National Park
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