N'Djamena

Introduction

N'Djamena is the capital and largest city in Chad and has a total population of about 800,000. It is located in the southwest of the country, on the Chari River, south of Lake Chad and opposite the town of Kousséri in Cameroon. The two cities are connected by a bridge. It is the administrative and economic heart of the country but doesn't have much to offer for travellers. Although things in the city were quiet for a while, in 2006 and 2008 there were attacks by the United Front for Democratic Change. While it is relatively quiet again right now, things are tensed to say the least, as is the rest of the country, especially in the east.

Events and Festivals

National Day

National Day is held every April 13 and is celebrated to honor Chad’s independence.

Labor Day

Like many other countries in the world, Chad celebrates Labor Day on May 1. Government offices and private businesses are closed.

Independence Day

Chad’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 11. This public holiday commemorates the country’s freedom from France. Sports and political assemblies are common and delegates from around the world visit at this time.

Proclamation of the Republic

Chad remembers the declaration of its republic status every year on November 28. This day is all about fun and festivities, regardless of your religion. Some local communities organize political assemblies and sporting events.

Weather

N'Djamena has a semi arid climate, with generally hot and dry weather, except for a short rainy period from late June to September. May is the hottest month with average daily temperatures of 40 °C and in August, which is the coldest month, temperatures still average 30 °C during the day. Night temperatures rarely drop below 15 °C and in May 26 °C at night is average!

Getting There

By Plane

N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ) receives a steady number of international flights, for example with the national airlines Toumaï Air Chad. International destinations include Bangui, Brazzaville, Cotonou, Douala. Other airlines serving this airport are Tripoli, Paris (Air France), Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Abidjan, Khartoum and Yaoundé.

Within the country, Toumaï Air Chad also flies between Abeche and N'Djamena.

By Bus

Minibuses and motorcycle taxis run from N’Djamena out to the border town of Nguelé. From there you can catch a motorcycle taxi over the bridge into Kousséri where there are regular minibuses to Maroua. You can also enter Cameroon further south, via Léré or Bongor.
4wd vehicles and trucks travel between N'Djamena and Nguigmi in Niger.

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

External Links