The Secrets of the Sahara – An Alternative Safari in Chad
Africa’s best kept secret- do you know about it?
An under-explored land bordered by volcanic mountains with dramatic scenery, windswept deserts, flourishing ecosystems and thriving national parks and even ancient rock art! This is a country that is steeped in culture and conservation that very few know of.
This is Chad.
And setting out on a journey here would be a truly epic adventure!
From N’Djamena – the capital of Chad, filled with unique bazaars, vibrant cafes and bars that give it a cosmopolitan vibe, you head off on a private charter. Over the sparse, arid terrain of the desert. You would be soaring over an expanse of pyramids, sandstone pillars, towers all forged by desert winds and high temperatures, as they tower over ravines and dunes headed toward The Ennedi Massif – an unparalleled Saharan ridge, Unesco Heritage Site since 2016.
You will wind your way through all that you saw from above and then get up close to the land of the Toubous, one of Africa’s most traditional and least known people who live among the rock. Marvel at their way of life amongst rock paintings, the petroglyphs from yore and tales told through this rock art, of the area’s past neolithic residents and their lives there.
But it is a safari so will you see animals?
The Ennedi area has long been a refuge for Saharan wildlife, with species such as addax, oryx, cheetah, Dama and Leptocera gazelles among others present in large numbers until the mid-20th century. And although poaching and conflict almost eradicated some of these species, there is still some exceptional wildlife, like barbary sheep, Dorcas gazelle, striped hyaena, baboon, patas monkey, caracal (desert lynx), and ratel (honey badger). There is even a small relic population of crocodiles in the Archei Guelta, lazily but alertly lurking in the ravines; the last known representatives of this species throughout the Sahara.
And in Zakouma National Park you will discover a conservation success story where elephants, buffalo, and Kordofan giraffes wander the bush.
You will be staying at a camp set up for you in Ennedi and a camp in Zakouma too. Specially. They were designed keeping in mind the fragility of the Saharan environment and the conditions of the local Toubous and other Saharan nomadic people. It blends in with its surroundings being careful with sustainable practices in all aspects of camp life.
On this journey, everything is planned by guides from different cultures, local and non-local, whose understanding of the area has been built over the last thirty years whilst living and traveling these areas in close sharing and communication with the natives of the regions.
So, if are you looking for a life experience that is something rare and authentic that captures that human connection with a classic wildlife experience, or if you are deeply curious with an insatiable thirst for discovery and an open mind or if you are you looking for a journey or a holiday that is an adventure that regenerates the mind, body and the soul and if you’d like to unplug and connect with the planet’s unexpected flow, then this would be the journey for you.
In a world where human relationships are often relegated to the background, Saharian life teaches us how vital they are, and how mutual exchange can teach you and leave you enriched.
When you set out on a journey to Tchad with Ubuntu, you will reconnect with what life is all about, find balance, and find inspiration in a powerful natural environment. This is where you will be able to live a truly Saharan journey with all its freedom and spiritual immersiveness.
Duration: 10 Days
Group Size: 1 Min. / 8 Max +1 Personal Trip Leader/guide
Trip Dates:
20th Dec – 29th Dec 2023
- Transfer from/to airport and to/from Hotels
- Immigration service at Police station
- Travel permits (from government) and local taxes
- N’Djamena accommodation for 02 nights twin sharing
- Ennedi accommodation for 06 nights twin sharing
- Zakouma accommodation for 03 nights in DBL room
- Full board at Zakouma and Ennedi
- Hotel accommodation in N’Djamena
- 4×4 cars specially equipped for the desert expeditions(fuel included)
- SVS european Guide English speaking very knowledgeable about Tchad
- Drivers/mechanic/guide
- SVS camp management crew
- Cook and all kitchen materials
- Mineral water, beer, wine, and alcohol
- 02 game drive per day at Zakouma, not privatized
- Zakouma Entry park fee
EXCLUSIONS
- Visas and Flights
- Personal Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks in N’Djamena
- Tips -Personal expenses
- Extra nights and private transfers
- snacks and all additional charges that are not covered in the package.
- Any additional chargeable activity opted for.
- Travel and Medical Insurance
- Any expenses arising due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control
PAYMENT TERMS
- Booking confirmation on receipt of 30% advance 120 days before the journey.
- Full payment must be made 60 days prior to the start of the journey.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- 59 – 30 days prior to arrival: 50% cancellation fee
- under 30 days prior to arrival: 90% cancellation fee
- under 7 days prior to arrival 100% cancellation fee