Zakouma National Park

Situated between the Sahara Desert and the lush rainforests of central Africa, the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem (GZE) is an important stronghold for Africa’s wildlife. Spanning over 28,000 km², this vast and varied landscape is characterised by seasonal wildlife migrations, perennial river systems, and nutrient-rich floodplains.

At its heart lies Zakouma National Park ̶   a remarkable conservation success story. The park’s elephant population has increased by 40% since 2010, while numbers of other key species have increased or stabilised, highlighting the park’s growing ecological resilience.

The Government of Chad entered into a long-term partnership with African Parks in 2010 to manage Zakouma, conserve its biodiversity, and create support for surrounding communities. Through improved conservation law enforcement, positive community engagement, and targeted socio-economic initiatives, the park has become a source of local pride and opportunity, generating employment, supporting education, and providing essential services that benefit thousands of people.

Building on this effort, in 2017 the government invited African Parks to manage the neighbouring  Siniaka Minia National Park (formerly Wildlife Reserve) and Bahr Salamat Faunal Reserve (BSFR), as well as adjoining wildlife corridors, thereby ensuring the effective management of the entire Greater Zakouma Ecosystem (GZE) of 28,162 km².

• Zakouma’s elephant population has increased by approximately 40% since 2010.
• 50% of the global Kordofan giraffe population are found in Zakouma.
• The Camp Dari environmental education hub receives over 6,500 local visitors annually who gain first-hand wildlife and conservation experience.
• The GZE is the largest employer in the region, providing permanent jobs and supporting local sustainable enterprises.
• Tourism has seen increasing numbers of Chadian visitors to the park in recent years – over 2,540 day visitors experienced the park in 2024. 

Zakouma National Park is managed by African Parks in partnership with the Government of Chad and local communities. In 2010, the government and European Union approached African Parks to sign a management partnership for the park. In 2017, the conservation footprint was doubled around Zakouma when African Parks signed an MoU with the government to manage the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, which includes the Siniaka Minia National Park and other critical wildlife corridors. In 2022, the agreement was renewed, thus enhancing the long-term sustainability of this vitally important ecosystem.