N'Djamena

Getting there

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. 1 N'Djamena International Airport is in the north-west of the city, just a few km from the centre.

Getting around

Taxis 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.

Moto-Taxis 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.

See

There are many mosques to see in the city, as well as a cathedral and the presidential palace (be careful about taking photos though). 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, particularly the Sao terracotta artifacts which were placed on the Red List of African Archaeological Objects to alert global auction houses, museums, and customs agents against buying them. The collection is much smaller today, but visitors can still see Sao artifacts. (updated Apr 2019) 2 N'Djamena Grand Mosque (Grande Mosquée de N'Djamena). The main mosque of N'Djamena. (updated Feb 2021)

Do

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

N'Djamena was ranked as the 21st most expensive city in the world (and third most expensive in Africa after Bangui and Djibouti) for expatriates according to Mercer's Cost of Living Ranking for 2024. [1]

Eat

1 Cote Jardin, Rue Idriss Miskine, ☏ +235 63 59 82 12, +235 66 40 67 16, [email protected]. Tu–Su 11:00–23:30. (updated Nov 2017)

Drink & nightlife

Chad is a majority Muslim country, so do not expect alcohol to be as widely accepted as in some other countries, particularly outside N'Djamena. The country does however have a brewery in N'Djamena producing the local Gala beer in addition to Castel, Beaufort, Doppel, 33 and Guinness. Bottles are quite large, typically 0.5L or 0.65L for 33.

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

Hotels in N'Djamena are expensive and often hard to book if you are not already in the city. As of 2025 the Hilton hotel is closed and appears unlikely to re-open as part of the Hilton chain.

1 Radisson Blu, Quartier Sabangali. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Expensive but it is the only international brand operating in Chad. It is also the only hotel available on internet booking sites. $200+. (updated Nov 2025) 2 Hotel L'Amitie, Quartier Diguel Est, ☏ +235 22 53 1253. From €245. (updated Aug 2024) 3 Hotel La Tchadienne, Avenue Ouldadah, ☏ +235 63221967. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. One of the hotels close to the airport. This used to be the Novotel. (updated Aug 2024) 4 Hotel Irrisor. This is adjacent to Hotel La Tchadienne and shares some of the facilities such as the swimming pool. It is a little cheaper than its neighbour. (updated Nov 2025) 5 Hilton N'Djamena. Close to the Radisson. In 2025 it is 'temporarily closed' with no date for re-opening. (updated Nov 2025) 6 Chez Wou Hotel. Across the street from the Irrisor. This is a Chinese run hotel and is a bit less expensive than the others. It has reasonable reviews. (updated Nov 2025)

Go next

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.