Zakouma

Zakouma National Park is not on everyone’s radar but it should be. The fact that you have got this far is a good sign.

If you are well-travelled and have been on safari in Africa already and looking for something different then Zakouma is for you.

Zakouma is 3,000 square kilometres, a sixth of the size of the Kruger. Its habitat is varied and in parts reminiscent of Kafue and Luangwa in Zambia, the wetlands of Botswana’s Okavango and also Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. The park is largely flat riverine forest and grassland plains. Large pans, around which numbers of wildlife and birdlife congregate in the dry season, are dotted throughout the park. Lonely inselbergs rise up on the horizon.

Read about Justin’s experience discovering Zakouma and Ilona’s safari adventure.

Walking along the river, Zakouma, Chad — Riverside walking in Zakouma

Camp Nomade, Zakouma National Park, Chad — Camp Nomade

Safari under the radar

Small Group Travel

Undoubtedly one of the toughest countries to travel through, one of the best ways to experience the wildlife, culture, and conservation success of Zakouma is by joining a small group of adventurous explorers, guided by some of Africa’s best experts.

March 2025 & 2026: Join passionate guide Doug MacDonald on a 9-day small group tour, staying at the simple Tinga Camp
February 2025 & 2026: For the utmost comfort, stay at the stylish Camp Nomade exploring with author and guide Peter Allison over 9 days.

Enquire now.

Antelope, Zakouma, Chad — Antelope in Zakouma

Rare & Endemic Species

Wildlife of Zakouma

The highlight of any trip is seeing the main herd of elephants, often over 400 in number. Buffalos have increased from 1,000 to 10,000 and these are Central African savannah buffalo which resemble a cross between cape and forest species. There is a healthy population of lions, approximately 130 in total, and leopards.

Giraffes (Kordofan) are integral to this region and are the emblem of the park. A healthy population of roan antelopes means that herds of over 50 can be seen grazing alongside tiang. Other antelope include waterbuck, Lelwel’s hartebeest, red-fronted gazelle, oribi, bushbuck, and Buffon’s kob. On night drives you are likely to see serval, genet, white-tailed mongooses, wild cat, pale foxes and side-striped jackals.

Nomad women, Zakouma, Chad — Nomadic women, in Zakouma

The People of Zakouma

Nomadic communities

During the dry season nomadic herders settle around the park. Visiting these communities reminds you of the hospitality and generosity of such peoples. It also gives you the opportunity to visit the local markets – there is a bustling trade between the nomads and local villagers. In particular the village of Kach Kacha where every Saturday there is a large market. On one hand there is a market for livestock, largely male dominated, and the other a small rickety stall selling a variety of goods from salt to nuts, from leather to brass bells, to mobile phone chargers. Photography is not generally well received in the market.

Abyssinian Roller, Zakouma National Park, Chad

A Migratory Haven

Birdlife of Zakouma

Arguably even more spectacular than the richness and variety of Zakouma’s mammal mega-fauna is its birdlife. Sandwiched between desert and rainforest, Zakouma National Park is the first suitable habitat after the Sahara and thus vast numbers of water birds and wildfowl crowd Zakouma’s pans – flocks of well over 500 are common and crowned crane are often seen in numbers of over 2,000.

Around pans like Riguek, in March and April locusts arrive in their thousands, attracting a huge concentration of birds, including the Egyptian Plover, Black-capped Gonolek, maribou storks, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Senegal Coucal, Bateleuer eagle and the dazzling blue Abyssinian roller.

Elephant herd, Zakouma National Park, Chad — Elephants in Zakouma National Park

A Conservation Success Story

Zakouma Elephants

From November until May, no rain falls in Chad and as the water of the rivers and pans recede, the wildlife and birdlife congregates in vast numbers offering awe-inspiring sightings.

The elephants are the poster boys of Zakouma and a rare conservation success story. Their numbers spiralled down from an estimated 4,000 in 2005 to around 450 in 2012. However, since the involvement of African Parks, security has improved, so too community engagement, and the decline in elephant numbers have been reversed. Poaching has almost been completely eradicated and numbers are once again rising. Extraordinarily, these elephants all live in one single super-herd.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Camp Nomade £££££

Chad
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

This nomadic camp stays in a superb position in Rigueik for as long as possible, moving only when the seasons make this difficult. The camp then follows the game for the best viewing opportunities.

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Tinga Lodge £££££

Chad
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Tinga Camp is an old government-style lodge dating back some 50 years. Simple in style it has a pretty riverside location and offers an excellent base from which to explore Zakouma National Park. All of the 24 chalet style rooms are en suite and can be arranged as double or twin rooms. Being thatched and round with ceiling fans and mosquito nets, the rooms are cool, offering a welcome retreat during the heat of peak season. Meals are taken in the communal dining area.

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More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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