chad
Why Film in chad?
Chad holds some of the Sahara’s most breathtaking and remote scenery – the arches of the Ennedi, the Lakes of Ounianga and the wildlife of Zakouma – accessed via specialist operators and planned carefully around the areas affected by insecurity.
- The Ennedi Massif – spectacular sandstone arches (UNESCO)
- Guelta d’Archei – camels and desert crocodiles
- The surreal Lakes of Ounianga (UNESCO)
- Zakouma’s wildlife-recovery success
- Ancient Saharan rock art
- Toubou and Arab nomadic cultures
- Vast, empty desert landscapes
- Genuinely rare, under-filmed Sahara
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Capital City
N'Djamena
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Main Cities
N'Djamena, Moundou, Sarh and Abéché
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Main Languages
French and Arabic
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Currency
Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
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Weather
Chad has a tropical and desert climate, with the best filming conditions during the dry season from December to April. This period offers clear skies, minimal rainfall, and low humidity.
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Best Time to Shoot
November to February (cooler dry season)
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Main Production Hubs
N'Djamena
Production Services
Our Chad production services include:
- Local Producers
- Film Fixers
- Production Management
- Film, Video & Stills Crew
- Camera Equipment
- Lighting & Grip
- Drone Operators
- Location Scouting
- Film Permits
- Casting
- Transport & Logistics
- Crew & Cast Accommodation
- Security
- Catering
Crew & Equipment
The local crew base is very small; local fixers, guides and specialist operators support on the ground, while senior technical crew and specialist equipment are brought in from abroad.
Productions plan for 4×4 convoys, fuel, water, desert camps and self-sufficiency, and typically import camera, drone and specialist packages
Top Filming Locations
Chad holds some of the Sahara’s most breathtaking and remote scenery, from ancient massifs to Saharan lakes and wildlife-rich parks.
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Ennedi Massif (UNESCO)
Otherworldly sandstone arches.
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Aloba Arch
One of the world's largest natural arches.
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Guelta d'Archei
Camels and rare desert crocodiles.
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Ennedi rock art
Ancient painted galleries.
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Lakes of Ounianga (UNESCO)
Improbable Saharan lakes.
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Zakouma National Park
Elephants and wildlife recovery.
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The Tibesti Mountains
Remote volcanic Sahara (security permitting).
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Lake Chad
The shrinking great lake (security-dependent).
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N'Djamena
The riverside capital.
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Sahara dunes & ergs
Vast sand seas.
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Toubou & Arab nomadic culture
Desert peoples.
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Desert oases & palm groves
Green refuges.
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Camel caravans
Traditional desert transport.
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Sahel savanna & the south
Greener southern country.
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Rock art & prehistory
Some of Africa's finest.
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The Chari & Logone rivers
Southern waterways.
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Traditional villages
Rural Chadian life.
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Ounianga Serir lakes
Palm-fringed desert pools.
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Desert massifs & canyons
Dramatic rock landscapes.
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Vast Saharan wilderness
Immense, empty desert.
Visa Requirements
International cast and crew should confirm visa and work permission requirements before travelling. Typical documents may include a valid passport, flight details, accommodation details, invitation letter, crew list and equipment list.
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Required Documentation
Valid passport (minimum six months validity), Completed visa application form, Recent passport-sized photo,
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Cost
Refer to the Chadian Embassy in your country for up-to-date visa fees.
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Timings
Processing times vary depending on the embassy.
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Additional Requirements
Yellow fever vaccination certificate, Invitation letter from the Chadian Ministry of Communication or host organization
International Crew Accreditation
International productions may require local coordination, film permissions and supporting letters depending on the production type, locations and crew nationality, and should work with an in-country fixer or service company.
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Required Documentation
Crew list, Equipment list, ID and passport copies, Proof of professional accreditation, Insurance certificate
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Timings
Film permits in Chad are aligned with project timelines. The permit cost typically includes accreditation fees.
General Film Permit
Filming permits are arranged through the relevant authorities, with protected-area permissions for Zakouma and the Ennedi. Remote regions require specialist operators, convoys and generous lead time. Given regional insecurity, planning is region-specific. Work through an experienced local fixer.
Drone Permit
Drone use requires authorisation and can be restricted, especially near borders and sensitive sites. Permissions should be arranged well in advance.
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Importation Regulations
Commercial drone use must be approved by the local aviation authority. Registration with the CCAA is required before importation.
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Permit Issuance
Permits are issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Chad (ADAC).
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Required Documentation
Film crew and operator details, Drone specifications, Filming details and full shoot schedule, Importation documents (proof of ownership, serial number, commercial invoice, packing list, customs clearance, etc.)
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Timings
5–10 days for processing.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Professional equipment can usually be temporarily imported with the correct customs documentation. An ATA Carnet may be used where applicable, and equipment lists should be prepared in advance.
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Clearance Process
Present the Carnet at customs upon arrival. Ensure all goods are re-exported before the Carnet is returned.
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Issuing Organization
Chadian Customs Administration
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Timings
Processing takes 2–5 working days.
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Cost
Fees range from 5–20% of the equipment value.
Safety and Security
N’Djamena and the established Ennedi and Zakouma routes (via specialist operators) can be worked with careful planning, while the Lake Chad basin, the far north and border regions are affected by insecurity and carry serious advisories. Extreme desert conditions and remote logistics require expedition-level planning, so Chad is assessed region by region.
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Security Recommendations
Personal and vehicle security, Location security and contingency planning, Medical and evacuation plans
Rebates & Incentives
Chad does not currently operate a formal national film cash rebate for international productions, so budgets should not rely on a rebate.
African Fixer will confirm the latest position on permit and park fees and any incentives during planning, and provide region-by-region feasibility, convoy and camp logistics so productions are based in the safe, accessible areas.
Hotel & Camp Options
Chad’s N’Djamena hotels and Ennedi and Zakouma camps serve as bases. Access for filming is subject to approval and availability.
- Hilton N’Djamena – Landmark riverside hotel.
- Radisson Blu N’Djamena – Modern city hotel.
- Kempinski / Le Méridien-style city hotels – Capital bases.
- Ennedi mobile camps (specialist operators) – Desert location camps.
- Camp Nomade, Zakouma – Wildlife-park camp.
- Ounianga expedition camps – Remote desert bases.
Crew & Cast Accommodation
Cast and crew accommodation is strongest in N’Djamena, with mobile camps for the Ennedi, Zakouma and Ounianga reached by charter or convoy. We arrange group bookings, convoys and camp logistics.
Luxury (talent, directors, key clients)
- Hilton N’Djamena – The premier city base for talent and clients.
- Camp Nomade, Zakouma – Standout wildlife base.
Mid-range (main crew, production team)
- N’Djamena: Radisson Blu and city hotels – Reliable capital bases.
- Zakouma & Ennedi: specialist camps – Location bases.
Budget & serviced options (extended crew, longer shoots)
- N’Djamena guesthouses – Value options where available.
- Mobile desert camps – Practical bases for remote shoots.
Accommodation availability and rates vary by season and should be booked well in advance. African Fixer manages crew and cast bookings, transfers and per-location logistics as part of production support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in the Ennedi and Zakouma via specialist operators with careful planning, while the Lake Chad basin and border regions carry serious advisories. We assess region by region.
Chad has local fixers and specialist desert operators; senior technical crew and equipment are brought in from abroad.
The Ennedi arches and Guelta d'Archei, the Lakes of Ounianga and the wildlife of Zakouma.
City hotels in N'Djamena and specialist camps for the Ennedi, Zakouma and Ounianga.
Yes, with the correct customs paperwork; an ATA Carnet may be used. Plan to import camera, drone and specialist packages.
Yes. Drone use requires authorisation and can be heavily restricted; arrange permissions well in advance.
No. Chad does not currently offer a film rebate. We confirm permit and park fees before you budget.
Yes, especially for documentary, natural-history and expedition work needing spectacular remote Sahara, planned region by region.
Yes, where feasible and responsible. We provide production support and always lead with a feasibility and safety assessment for higher-risk destinations.
Did You Know?
In the heart of the Ennedi Desert, a permanent water channel called the Guelta d’Archei shelters a tiny, isolated population of Saharan crocodiles alongside camels that come to drink – one of the most surreal wildlife spectacles in the entire Sahara.
PRO TIP:
Plan the Ennedi and Zakouma as expeditions with specialist operators, convoys and camps, shoot the cooler November-to-February window, and route carefully around the insecure Lake Chad basin and border regions.
