N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (2024)

N'Djamena (pron. en-jah-may-nah) is the capital of Chad. It is by far the country's largest city, with a population of 1 million people. It lies directly on the border of Cameroon, and is on the confluence of the Chari and Logone rivers. The city has been at the centre of many heated rebellions and revolts, and in February 2008 was entered by rebel troops.

Get in

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There are limited flights from non-African cities such as Paris (by Air France) and Istanbul. Destinations in Africa include Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Tripoli, Cairo, Cotonou, Bangui, Lagos, Casablanca via Niamey and Khartoum. Historically, the main entry to the city was by boat up the Chari and Logone rivers, but today this is rarely done. The city has no railway links.

The rudimentary 1 N'Djamena International Airport is located slightly north of city centre.

Get around

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Taxis

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During the day, taxis charge 3,000 CFA. At night, taxi fares increase to 5,000 CFA. Agree on the price before you step in the car. Pay when you reach the your destination. It's your responsibility to have exact change.

Fares range from 250 CFA to 1,000 CFA, depending on the distance. Do negotiate. Only take moto-taxis that are from official taxi stations, usually on the corners of major intersections.

12°6′18″N 15°3′22″E

Map of N'Djamena

See

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As a Muslim city, there are many mosques to see in the city, as well as a cathedral and the presidential palace. And do not forget the views across the river. Sunset can be quite spectacular.

  • 1 Chad National Museum. The national museum of Chad, containing many artifacts from its history. Some pieces are lost due to looting during the last civil war. N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (5) N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (6) (updated Apr 2019)
  • 2 N'Djamena Grand Mosque (Grande Mosquée de N'Djamena). The main mosque of N'Djamena. N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (7) N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (8) (updated Feb 2021)

Do

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Go shopping in the local markets, even if only for an afternoon snack, that are scattered throughout the city. This lets you experience the everyday life and culture of Chad, and also helps contributes to the country's poor economy.

  • Avenue Charles de Gaulle. With many colonial houses and embassies, this road is a reminder of the French colonial days.

Buy

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N'Djamena was ranked as the 80th most expensive city in the world for expatriates according to Mercer's Cost of Living Ranking for 2022. [1]

Eat

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  • 1 Cote Jardin, Rue Idriss Miskine, +235 63 59 82 12, +235 66 40 67 16, cotejardin.ndj@gmail.com. Tu–Su 11:00–23:30. (updated Nov 2017)

Drink

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Chad is a predominantly Islamic country, so do not expect alcohol to be as widely accepted as in some other countries.

  • 1 Antique Cafe Snack, Rue 3015, +235 66 52 02 49. Mmmm, milkshakes! Other cold and hot beverages plus food. (updated Feb 2024)
  • 2 Hybah Coffee House, Boulevard du President N'Garta Tombalbaye, +235 66 72 99 79. Coffee House that also has typical cafe food. (updated Feb 2024)

Sleep

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Stay healthy

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The following medical facilities have a decent reputation:

  • L'Hôpital Général de Référence National de N'djaména
  • L'Hôpital de la Liberté (Hopital Chinois)
  • L'Hôpital de Walia
  • Clinique Sao
  • Clinique Providence
  • Clinique la Rose
  • Cabinet La Samaritaine
  • Cabinet Médical Espoir
  • Cabinet Médical Artine
  • Cabinet Dentaire Arbre de Vie
  • Cabinet Dentaire Acropolis

Cope

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Embassies

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  • N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (9) Canada, 3602 Ngarta Tombalbaye Avenue (in front of the 2 castles), Door 586, +235 22-51-33-34. Honorary consul, not a full embassy. (updated Aug 2023)
  • N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (10) Egypt, Rue de 40m – quartier Klemate, +235 2251 0972, fax: +235 2251 1474.
  • N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (11) United Kingdom, 150 Avenue Général Kérim Nassour, ukinchad@gmail.com. (updated Oct 2022)
  • N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (12) United States, Ave Felix Eboue; B.P. 413, +235 251-62-11, fax: +235 251-56-54. (updated Feb 2018)

Go next

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Gaoui is a pretty village lying 10 km north east of N'Djamena. It is said to have been the capital of the Sao civilisation and is now known for its traditional architecture and pottery manufacture. It is also home to a museum.

N'Djamena has the only international airport in Chad. Leaving the main city may be dangerous, as high levels of civil unrest are being experienced in the country. Travelling to the Tibesti Mountains is not safe, either, as this is a militarily sensitive zone. As in all third world countries, stay safe and have caution in your actions.

This city travel guide to N'Djamena is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
N'Djamena – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to go to N Djamena? ›

If you do travel, take extra precautions to protect yourself from security and health risks. to N'Djamena. Reconsider your need to travel to N'Djamena due to the threat of violent crime, civil unrest, terrorism and kidnapping.

Is it safe to travel to Chad right now? ›

Chad - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Reconsider travel to Chad due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.

Can you drink alcohol in Chad? ›

Central and northern Chad is largely Islamic – and consuming alcohol is frowned upon – though it's often ok to drink in the desert villages. If you're not sure whether to drink or not, it's very simple – if alcohol is widely available, or offered to you, then bottoms up. If not, don't go looking for it.

Which country is N Djamena in? ›

N'Djamena, city, capital of Chad, located on the country's southwestern border, adjacent to Cameroon. It lies on the east bank of the Chari River at its confluence with the Logone River, in an alluvial plain that is flooded during the rainy season (July–September).

Why is Ndjamena so expensive? ›

Jennifer Cooke, director of the Africa program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said high prices in N'Djamena likely stem from transportation costs, a small expat market and the absence of a Chadian middle class.

How safe is Djibouti for tourists? ›

We've reviewed our advice for Djibouti and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Djibouti. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation. We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Djibouti overall due to the threat of terrorism.

Do US citizens need a visa for Chad? ›

For all foreigners entering Chad it is necessary to be in possession of a passport with a valid visa, with the exception of the foreigners, who are citizens of the following countries: Benin, Burkina-Faso, Cameroon, Republic of Central Africa, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Niger.

What vaccinations do you need for Chad? ›

Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Poliomyelitis; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Meningococcal Meningitis; Rabies; Typhoid; Yellow Fever.

Is Chad safe for solo female travellers? ›

Safety at night:Unsafe

Chad, particularly at nighttime, can present significant safety challenges. Experiencing greater instability than some countries, it's recommended to maintain constant vigilance, especially for solo female travelers.

What is the dining etiquette in Chad? ›

Meals begin once the host has prayed or indicates that it is time to start the meal. It is considered very rude for guests to refuse food. Women cook over open fires and the meal is served on mats on the ground from a large communal bowl. As is common in many countries, food is consumed using only the right hand.

What food is Chad famous for? ›

Chad's cuisine shares much with the traditional cooking practices of the Sahara region. Widespread staples include millet, sorghum and rice, while the common vegetables include okra and the leaf of the cassava plant.

Is Chad friendly with the US? ›

The United States established diplomatic relations with Chad in 1960, following its independence from France. Relations between the United States and Chad are strong.

Is N Djamena safe? ›

Do not carry large sums of money, jewellery or other valuables. Avoid isolated or less developed areas of towns and do not go out alone or at night. To reduce your personal risk, consider using pre-arranged secure cars to get around N'Djamena. Keep car doors locked and windows closed.

What is the religion of N Djamena? ›

Among the places of worship, they are predominantly Muslim mosques. There are also Christian churches and temples: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of N'Djaména (Catholic Church), Evangelical Church of Chad, Christian Assemblies in Chad (Plymouth Brethren).

What is the richest city in Chad? ›

N'djamena, Chad - - Image 5 from The World's 10 Most Expensive Cities | BET.

What language is spoken in N Djamena Chad? ›

Standard Arabic is spoken by around 615,000 speakers. French is widely spoken in the main cities such as N'Djamena and by most men in the south of the country. Most schooling is in French.

What are the risks in Chad? ›

There is a high risk of terrorist kidnapping in the Lake Chad Basin and the border areas with Cameroon, Sudan and the Central African Republic.

Why should someone visit Chad? ›

Wildlife and Wilderness in Zakouma National Park

Unlike some other African safari destinations, Chad remains relatively untouched. The wild experiences this remote destination offers are unparalleled. Venturing into the rugged Zakouma National Park is truly unique and regarded as one of Africa's best kept secrets.

References

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