Zakouma National Park spans roughly 3,000 km² in south-eastern Chad, at the edge of the Lake Chad basin and Sudanese savannas. Managed since 2010 by African Parks in partnership with the Chadian government, it has become one of Central Africa's most celebrated examples of wildlife restoration. Its elephants, once decimated by poaching, now constitute one of the continent's most closely monitored populations.

Quick facts

• Access: Charter flight from N'Djamena to the Am Timan airstrip or directly to camp; no reliable paved road from the capital.
• Open season: The park is generally open from November to June (dry season); it closes during the rainy season (July–October) due to impassable tracks.
• Recommended duration: 3 to 5 nights minimum for good wildlife viewing.
• Dress code: Neutral clothing (khaki, beige, olive green); avoid white and bright colours on safari.
• Rules: All excursions must be accompanied by an armed park ranger; stepping out of the vehicle outside designated zones is prohibited.

Wildlife highlights

Zakouma is home to one of Central Africa's last major concentrations of savanna elephants. During the dry season, herds numbering hundreds converge on permanent water holes. The park also shelters Cape buffalo, roan antelopes, giraffes, lions, leopards and African wild dogs — a rare and elusive species. More than 370 bird species have been recorded, including the African jabiru and several heron species.

History and context

Established in 1963, Zakouma suffered decades of intensive poaching, particularly in the 2000s, which reduced the elephant population from over 4,000 individuals to just a few hundred. African Parks' arrival in 2010 marked a turning point: ranger reinforcement, aerial surveillance and community involvement. The elephant population has since returned to positive growth, documented annually through aerial surveys.

Highlights of a visit

Elephant gatherings at water holes

Between February and May, permanent water holes like Rigueik attract hundreds of elephants simultaneously. This is one of Central Africa's most intense wildlife spectacles, accessible from discrete viewing blinds arranged by guides.

Tracking African wild dogs

Zakouma is home to a pack of African wild dogs, a species classified as endangered. Guides track their movements using GPS collars, significantly increasing sighting chances during early morning outings.

Birdwatching excursions

The wetland zone around the Bahr Salamat river and interior water holes concentrate exceptional avifauna. Dawn outings, on foot or by vehicle, offer opportunities to spot rare species for the region.

Nights at permanent camp

Tinga Camp, managed by African Parks, offers platform tent accommodation in the heart of the park. The absence of intense artificial light and proximity to nocturnal wildlife are part of the experience.

Photography tips

Light is optimal early morning (6am–9am) and late afternoon (4pm–6pm). Water holes offer backlit reflections at sunset. A telephoto lens (400 mm minimum) is essential for wildlife. Avoid flash photography near animals — it's prohibited. Dry-season dust requires rigorous camera protection.

Location and access

The park lies in the Salamat region, approximately 850 km south-east of N'Djamena. Overland access from the capital is lengthy and difficult; virtually all visitors arrive by charter flight. African Parks coordinates transfers from N'Djamena. No public transport serves the area. Accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility is very limited due to natural terrain and unimproved tracks.

Nearby attractions

• Lake Chad — at the opposite end of the country, this transboundary lake's shrinking waters illustrate the region's climate challenges.
• Ennedi Massif — a sandstone plateau in the north-east, UNESCO World Heritage–listed, with rock engravings and natural arches.