N'DJAMENA - Gaoui village and the Sao civilization

Overview

Available languages

English

Italian

French

Mobile ticket

Gaoui is a village located about 10 km north-east. of N'Djamena Known to be the capital of Sao civilization,

The village is the only one to house the vestiges of the Sao people civilization. In its museum, it is possible to observe finds recovered during the archaeological excavations of the Sao civilization and more recent finds used by the Kotoko ethnic group, currently present in the village and in a part of Chad

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Private transportation

local guide

museum entrance

Soda/Pop

Breakfast

Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

La Residence Hotel

Road 1039, Quartier Aéroport N'Djamena Chad

Hotel La Tchadienne

Bp 109 N'Djamena Chad

Radisson Blu Hotel, N'djamena

Quartier Sabangali, Cite Du 1er Decembre, Cité du 1er Décembre N'Djamena Chad

Soluxe Hotel

N'Djamena Chad

Hotel L'Amitie N'Djamena

Quartiet Diguel Est N'Djamena Chad

Novotel N'Djamena La Tchadienne

Bp 109, On The Bank Of The Chari River N'Djamena Chad

What To Expect

Gaoui

The historic sultan's palace The village of Gaoui houses the oldest building in Chad., The palace of the Sultan of Gaoui. This building was built in the 19th century. Renovated in the 90s, it has been transformed into a museum.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

The Sao-kotoko museum, The village is the only one to house the vestiges of the Sao people civilization. In its museum, it is possible to observe finds recovered during the archaeological excavations of the Sao civilization and more recent finds used by the Kotoko ethnic group, currently present in the village and in a part of Chad

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Gaoui and the Sao civilization

Private tour
Pickup included

Reviews

4.67

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

very small village
ffrige,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
It's almost an hour drive out of town, nothing special, very small, just a couple of buildings. Nice to take a picture or two, then walk through the village and chat with the ladies and play with the kids. Hand out some small cash before taking pictures otherwise they will get very angry at you.
He issued the invitations very quickly.
yask02,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Booking to have invitations issued as required for visa They responded as soon as I made a request on Wapp. On the day of the tour, the driver didn't show up even when it was time, so I contacted him via Wapp. Eventually it started an hour later, but it was a good experience as they stopped by the independence squares and supermarkets in Gaoui and N'Djamena and were well dealt with
Easy little day trip
jeremye822,
Sep 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
A modest little trip, just out of town into a what feels like a typical if well-established village. The little museum and old architecture is funky and a good reminder of the development of a rich civilisation prior to colonialism. But it's only a couple of buildings. Walking around the village is fun. The women make household and decorative pottery which you are welcomed in to see being made and can buy. Be ready for everyone to ask for a little tip, even though Eyte has already paid whatever is strictly required. So, good to bring along i) some small change (lots of 500 XAF notes), ii) some water to drink, and iii) hand sanitizer. Eyte themselves were excellent. Good communication starting from the day before. On time, decent 4WD vehicle. Knew well the people and the area, and a lot else about Chad. Just made things easy and safe.
Very interesting place
566juergenp,
Apr 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very unique and special place which gave me a glimpse of a very different ethnic group. The English of my guide was very good and I gained a lot of background information.
Great way to see a different side of Chad
Jonathan S,
Mar 23, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
The Gauoi village is about an hour outside N'Djamena, and provides a great way to see a small Chadian village. The village produces pottery and has items for purchase (thought the focus certainly isn't on the small tourism industry in Chad- pottery is more for residents). Communication with the tour company was great, and they made the experience enjoyable and educational.