Zakouma National Park Chad

Zakouma National Park is a national park, located between Sarh and Am Timan, in the south of Chad. Zakouma is one of the most famous and well visited national parks in Chad because of its royal big elephant concentration and other attractions. Zakouma is a significant animal habitat in chad Africa as well as for North Central Africa.

Created in 1963, this was Chad’s first national park, and covers an area of almost 3,000 sq km. The beauty of this famous park is admirable and a great treat for visitors’ eyes. It is entirely surrounded by the Bahr Salamat Faunal Reserve.

Other National parks in Chad include Goz-Beida National Park (30,000sq km), Mnada National Park and Aouk National Park.

Zakouma National Park was adversely affected by the civil conflict in Chad for several years but is now restoration with support from the European Union withorganisations like Save the Elephant Foundation. For example, elephant herds were substantial in number as recently as 1970 with an estimated population of 300,000; however, by 2007 the number had dwindled to about 10,000.

Wildlife in Zakouma – The fauna of the Park includes 44 species of large mammals, and many species of birds. This exotic wildlife destination of Sarh is more important for a significant population of elephants. Other animals found in this park include giraffes, wildebeests, lions and a wide variety of antelopes and primates.

There are also many species of birds in Zakouma National Park. Apart from large mammals, travelers on Chad safaris can also regale in the rich diversity of bird species in the park. This natural park is one of the few places in Africa to host rare desert birds.

The best time to come is March and April when the animals congregate around watering holes. It is not possible to visit from June to October because of the rains. During the rainy season, the elephants begin to leave the park to avoid the muddy terrain; it is possible to see truly massive herds – sometimes up to 1,000 elephants at a time.

There is no much accommodation in Zakouma National Park but  you can find overnight and dinner at Le Campement Hotelier Tinga located within the park and other facilities can be found within the capital

Other National parks and Reserves in Chad include Manda National Park, Aouk National Park and Goz-Beida National Park.