Camp Dari: A Vibrant Hub in Zakouma National Park

Nestled within Zakouma National Park's breathtaking landscapes, Camp Dari serves as a vital hub, connecting Chad’s local communities and the national public to this landscape. Operating since 2018 as an environmental education centre, Camp Dari has welcomed thousands of visitors each year with a record number of over 6,800 people in 2023 – nearly 80% of whom were students.

Camp Dari’s mission is multifaceted: to connect local communities with Zakouma´s natural treasures, to emphasise the benefits of conservation, and to facilitate meaningful discussions between the park and the surrounding communities.

Camp Dari: Inspiring Future Generations

Mahamat, a 38-year-old primary school teacher from Goz Djarat, northeast of Zakouma, and the park’s Environmental Education Coordinator, speaks about Camp Dari’s transformative role: “As a teacher, I really enjoy the activities at Camp Dari. Every time we come, the children are delighted. They ask questions, visit the park, and observe the animals.”

Mahamat himself finds respite at Camp Dari, away from the distractions of village life: “I bring my computer or notebook and go to Camp Dari to rest and to work with a clear head. Some young people also go there to spend their holidays, chat, play cards, or celebrate events.”

Crucially, Camp Dari has helped shift perceptions about Zakouma and the importance of  biodiversity conservation for the surrounding communities. Mahamat explains, “In the past, people thought the park was just for foreigners and Chadians couldn’t hunt because animals were reserved for foreigners and tourists. Now, thanks to Camp Dari and the visits organised by African Parks, people understand the benefits of conservation and see the park as a resource for Chadians.”

Student feedback highlights the impact of Camp Dari’s educational initiatives. Allawassem, a 15-year-old student from Goz-Djarat, shares her experience after visiting the park three times: “I saw buffalo, baboon, and giraffe. Giraffe are my favourite animal. Going to Zakouma is a beautiful experience, and we learn about the park’s importance.”

A Cornerstone for Dialogue

Camp Dari provides a space for important conversations and engagement with herders and transhumant groups. Pastoralists have been present in the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem for centuries, moving along southern Chad during the dry season in search of water and grazing land. However, as cattle numbers grow, resources such as water and pasture land decrease, causing land degradation and competition between sedentary and herder communities. To find solutions to dwindling resources, the park encourages and facilitates open communication with all parties in the landscape, through inclusive decision-making and joint land use planning.  

Alhadj Faris Annour, a 56-year-old nomadic community leader, recounts his group’s first visit to Camp Dari earlier this year: “We were happy to meet the African Parks team and learn more about the importance of wildlife and the vegetation. Discussing the transhumant corridor (where herders can graze their cattle) and possible solutions made us feel that we are part of the landscape, just like any other community.”

Art, Creativity and Conservation

Aiming to engage national artists and give a voice to young people surrounding the park, Camp Dari recently hosted renowned Chadian artist Kirdassi, who led a workshop with 10 students from Goz-Djarat. This initiative resulted in the "Colours of Zakouma" exhibition in N'Djamena in October 2024.

Organised by African Parks in collaboration with Kirdassi and the French Institute of Chad, “Colours of Zakouma” showcases the vibrant artwork created during the workshop in Camp Dari. Over 30 community and embassy representatives participated in its launch. Two of the students from Goz-Djarat, Moussa and Mabrouka, had the opportunity to travel to N'Djamena for the first time. Click here to watch the documentary about this artistic initiative.

Through its comprehensive approach to education, community engagement, and artistic expression, Camp Dari has become an important space where people can gather, foster positive communication and exchange ideas in Zakouma National Park, helping to conserve  Chad’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Supported by the European Union and the USFWS, Camp Dari can accommodate up to 100 people at a time, with a main open hall for social and educational gatherings, as well as twelve traditional huts for overnight stays. Educational visitors receive complimentary accommodation and meals, while private local guests cover their own expenses. The camp is accessible via road during the dry season (December to May) and closes during the wet season due to limited access.