N'Djamena

N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, is a hot, dusty and vibrant Sahelian city on the banks of the Chari River, near where it flows toward Lake Chad, and the gateway to one of Africa's least-visited countries. A crossroads of Arab and African cultures at the edge of the desert, it is a city of bustling energy centred on its huge, colourful Grand Marché, piled with everything from spices and cloth to livestock and crafts. Landmarks include the grand Grand Mosque, the Roman Catholic cathedral, and the National Museum, which tells the story of Chad's rich Sahelian and ancient heritage, including remarkable early human fossils. Lively and authentic, N'Djamena is a fascinating gateway to the country.

What you actually see

• The Grand Marché - the huge, colourful central market.
• The Grand Mosque - the grand mosque of the capital.
• The National Museum - the Sahelian heritage and human fossils.
• The Chari riverfront - the river and its bustling life.

When to go

November to February, the cooler, drier season, for the most bearable weather, as N'Djamena is fiercely hot for much of the year; the market and city life are best experienced in the cooler morning and evening hours. It is the arrival point and base for expeditions to the deserts and parks of the country.

Honest expectations

As a lively, authentic crossroads city at the edge of the Sahara, though, with its colourful market and Sahelian heritage, and the base for exploring Chad's extraordinary deserts and parks, N'Djamena is a fascinating introduction.

Nearby

Lake Chad, the southern parks and the road to the northern deserts are beyond.