Zakouma Airport (AKM)

Zakouma Airport is a small airstrip in the Salamat Region of southeastern Chad and the main air access point for Zakouma National Park, one of Central Africa's most important wildlife conservation areas. Traffic is largely charter-based and linked to the park's safari lodges, research teams and management operations. The airport has a single clay runway, designated 03/21 and measuring about 1,500 metres, together with a compact passenger area used for arrivals and departures. It lies within or close to the national park, roughly 45 km from the regional capital Am Timan, and is reached by air mainly through private charters, often from N'Djamena. Because Zakouma is a remote conservation destination, most visitors arrange their entire journey in advance. Arriving guests are met at the airstrip and continue by 4x4 to camps such as Tinga Camp and Camp Nomade, while the overland route from N'Djamena can take 12 hours or more. The airstrip's role is practical rather than commercial, supporting seasonal safari travel and park operations. Its facilities are basic, so travelers should prepare supplies, baggage limits and onward transfers before departure.