Chad is a challenging place to travel and doing so is not advised by many foreign governments (including the United States). The political situation is fragile and foreigners are rare. There are few paved roads and electricity is a luxury in most of the country. It’s a struggle. But if you’re willing to work and enjoy a trip with a little risk, book a trip to Chad.

The capital city, N'Djamena, is one of the safer areas of Chad and gives visitors a good look at the country. Shop at the Central Market for fresh fruits. Sample spiced meats and grains from street stalls. At night, check out the bar scene.

Crossing the border into Chad is an adventure in itself. If you’re coming overland, the Sudanese/Chadian border is the most dangerous. Other borders are safer, but remember that no matter where you enter you are entering a country prone to violence.

With a guide, you’ll be able to enrich your adventure in a variety of ways. If you’ve taken on this trip, make sure your work pays off by taking the time to visit some of the archeological ruins of early civilization or taking a camel ride through the desert.

If you can find a quiet, relatively unexplored region of Chad you’ll likely be rewarded with natural beauty. Stroll along the edge of Lake Chad or spend a few hours on a boat to get a sense of one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes.

Zakouma National Park is a treat as traveling through it usually involves only you, your guide, and the animals. You’ll find many large mammals here including wildebeests, antelope, and tall, strong giraffes. Take your time near the water where the animals tend to congregate, especially during the driest part of the year.

All images are used via Creative Commons Attribution rights. View the original images on Flickr at: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4