N'Djamena

N'Djamena was known as Fort-Lamy until the name was changed in 1973. It is located at the confluence of the Logone River and the Chari River. On the other side of the rivers is the city of Kousséri, which is in Cameroon. N'Djamena used to be one of the nicest cities in Northern Africa, but during the civil war, much of its glamour was destroyed. Nowadays the city is modernizing and growing fast, and many of the destroyed parts have been restored. The people in the area around N'Djamena are very friendly, and there are numerous places in the capital where you can party. Dress respectably to avoid offending the locals.

There are two main areas in the capital, the European section, where all the administrative functions are located and the African section. The latter is much bigger and livelier. There are good markets, where local artifacts can be purchased. The Grand Marchée is the largest of the markets.

In the African section you will also find the Musée National where everything that was not looted during the civil war is on display, mostly musical instruments and masks. There are many bars and places where live music is performed, but prices are not very low.

N'Djamena has a hippodrome where bets can be made on racing horses, and a golf site, not far to the east of the city.

The two main roads in N'Djamena are Avenue Mobutu running along the river and Avenue Charles de Gaulle where most shops are.

Accommodation is very hard to find, and when you find it, it turns out to be very expensive. Most food places are located in the African sector. Transportation to other parts of Chad is very hard to find and the few taxis in the city are very expensive.

Be careful that you don't walk in areas signposted as no-go areas, especially near the Presidential Palace, as the military shoot first and ask questions afterwards.