Chad
The Land of Rustic Marvel – Chad
Chad has always been a curious destination, not often travelled but should be. Chad has deserts in the North, cooling waters from Lake Chad and spectacular wildlife. It brings together the delights of Northern and Southern Africa. Chad promises you a memorable trip.
Grains, vegetables and fish are the core ingredients of Chadian cuisine. Meat is quite popular too, but fish is more commonly used due to the lakes around Chad. Fish is prevalent in Southern Chadian foods and not as much in the North due to the landscape of Chad. Daraba is a famous dish in Chad that consists of a range of vegetables including okra and potatoes, stewed into a hearty dish. With French colonisation in Chad, many dishes have been influenced by incorporating the European tastes into Chadian food. For fried fish and okra stews, try Cote Jardin in N’Djamena. There is live music frequently played here and the seating is outdoors on old and rickety furniture. But that adds to the allure of eating authentic Chadian food under the stars.
http://travelbystove.blogspot.co.za/2012/09/recipes-from-chad.html – Image 01 (Chadian Food)
With so many ethnic groups in Chad, traditional attire differs from group to group. Hence, you are always bound to see the most interesting outfits. Muslim women in Northern Chad dress more conservatively but also are covered up to protect themselves against the harsh desert climate. Pagnes/Rabotts (cloth used as a wrap) are used frequently by women, wrapped around their waists. Men in Chad wear loose fitting tunics and robes, called jalabiyas and boubous. Muslim men wear a taqiya, a white wrapped turban. In the North, women stain their lips with the ink of trees and in the South, women are frequently seen wearing heavy nose rings.
http://grade6ims.pbworks.com/w/page/64296746/Laura%20Levesque – Image 02 (Chadian Clothing)
Include a visit to the interesting Tibesti Mountains. Home to dormant volcanoes, villages of the Toubou people and watch camels race as a pastime. Learn about the vibrant Toubou people. They are an elusive tribe, so do caution how you approach them. Of the Muslim faith, the Toubou tribe is stringent in their way of life. Islamic law is a dominant feature in clans of the Toubou tribe. After interacting with the Toubou tribe, trekking across inactive volcanoes is a rush of adrenalin. Hire an SUV and stay a few days in a put-up Bedouin tent. The beauty of the Tibesti Mountains is the rock formations, ancient rock art, its people and the collapsed calderas.
http://www.thousandwonders.net/Tibesti+Mountains – Image 03 (Tibesti Mountains)
While in Northern Chad, a trip to the Lakes of Ounianga in the Saharan desert is a must. Made up of eighteen lakes, with the main source of the water coming from underground due to low rainfall in the area. Due to different chemical compositions, the waters vary in exquisite colours. Think emerald greens, turquoise blues and even hues of red can be seen on the connected lakes. There are palm trees that swing around some lakes and salt rocks circling others. And though the location is far out and in remote Chad, you will still find villages scattered around the area. Taking along a knowledgeable guide will ensure you are amazed by this natural wonder.
http://www.amusingplanet.com/2012/10/lakes-of-ounianga-sahara-desert.html – Image 04 (Lakes of Ounianga)
Part of Chad’s marvel is the exclusivity of having the country to yourself. Except for curious locals, but you will never have to deal with crowds of tourists. Chad is anything but a luxurious travel destination. It is off the beaten track, takes you out of your comfort zone but it will reward you with sights that will completely captivate you.
