Africa > 🇹🇩 Chad
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Chad can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Chad; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Chad?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Chad?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Chad
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| N'Djamena | NDJ | 9 |
Chad is a vast, landlocked country in Central Africa known for its Sahara Desert landscapes, remote wildlife reserves, nomadic cultures, and volcanic peaks. It attracts adventurous travelers, researchers, and overland explorers rather than casual tourists. Transport choices matter greatly here because distance, infrastructure, and security vary dramatically across regions. So, should you rent a car in Chad? Let’s see when it makes sense and when it doesn’t.
🔴 First: Understand the Realities of Travel in Chad
Many governments advise against non-essential travel to most of Chad due to security risks, armed conflict in certain regions, and limited infrastructure. Travel outside the capital usually requires special permits, a local escort, or military permission.
🚫 When You Should Not Rent a Car
Independent self-driving in Chad is not recommended for most travelers due to:
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Security checkpoints and restricted zones
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Extremely remote desert areas without services
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Unpaved roads that require serious off-road experience
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Lack of international car rental agencies like Hertz or Avis
❌ Self-Drive Not Suitable For:
| Traveller Type | Why You Should Avoid Renting |
|---|---|
| First-time visitors | Permits and safety concerns |
| City-only travellers | Taxis already available |
| Backpackers | Public transport is limited but safer with locals |
✅ When a Car with a Driver Is Essential
While you typically cannot rent a car to drive yourself, hiring a 4×4 vehicle with a driver-guide through a reputable tour operator is the standard way to travel in Chad.
✅ Benefits of Hiring a Driver
| Benefit | What It Lets You Do |
|---|---|
| Safety | Driver handles checkpoints |
| Navigation | Local expertise in remote deserts |
| Comfort | Reliable 4×4 vehicles |
| Access | Reach Zakouma National Park, Ennedi Desert, and Tibesti Mountains |
🌍 Key Tourist Regions (Driver Required)
| Destination | Highlight | How to Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Zakouma National Park | Big game wildlife | Charter flight or 4×4 convoy |
| Ennedi Desert | Rock arches, culture | 4×4 expedition only |
| Tibesti Mountains | Volcanic landscape | Restricted area, guided only |
| Lake Chad Basin | Cultural interest | Requires permits and escort |
🚕 Transport Alternatives
| Option | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi in N’Djamena | City travel | Available and affordable |
| Private 4×4 hire with driver | Safest for exploration | Book through official tour companies |
| Domestic charter flights | Remote parks | Limited schedules |
| Buses/minibuses | Local travel | Basic, slow, not recommended for tourists |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City visitor (N’Djamena) | ❌ No | Use taxis or arranged transfers |
| Wildlife/nature traveller | ✅ Yes (with driver) | Parks require 4×4 and guided travel |
| Adventure expeditioner | ✅ Yes (guided convoy) | Necessary for remote desert regions |
| Independent tourist | ❌ No | Self-driving is unsafe and restricted |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Chad?
👉 No, if you expect to drive yourself, because self-drive rentals are not viable or safe.
👉 Yes, if you are hiring a 4×4 with a professional driver or joining an organised expedition, which is the proper and secure way to explore Chad’s remarkable landscapes.
