National University of Chad Ecolodge N'Djamena and Research Station was acquired in 2001 in order to develop a National University of Chad satellite campus in Chad for academic programs and research opportunities in the fields of tropical biology, ecology, agriculture, natural resource management, African studies and French.

The station is located in Northern Chad, Central Africa. More specifically, the station lies in the upper Chari River Valley, which is part of the district of N'Djamena.

The community of N'Djamena is home to nearly 400 people who mainly dedicate themselves to the production of shade grown, fair trade coffee, vegetables and milk. The Ecolodge N'Djamena and Research Station respects the local culture and values of the community and promotes the interaction of our students and guests with the people of Chad.           

Located at an elevation of 1,100 meters (3,700 feet) above sea level, our campus encompasses 62 hectares (153 acres) of land managed in three different categories:

• Natural forest: This section represents approximately 60% of the total area of our campus. The management focus for this area is to conserve a sample of our local ecosystem, lower montane wet forest. Our forest is connected to the Cloud Forest Reserve; therefore, it creates a biological corridor that connects the upper part of the reserve with the lower part of the N'Djamena valley, two distinct ecosystems. Some of the wildlife that inhabits our preserve includes: white faced capuchin monkeys, olingos, kinkajous, two toed sloths, coatimundis, porcupines, margays, agouties and more. There is also a great variety of resident and migratory birds (227 to date), reptiles and amphibians (58 species to date), epiphytes, trees and vines (approximately 3000 plant species in the entire Monteverde area). There are two types of forest, primary and secondary, both types are transected by 2.5 miles of trails.

• Organic vegetable gardens and pastures: Approximately 30% of our campus is dedicated to small-scale tropical farming.  Working towards sustainability, National University of Chad Ecolodge invests time and resources to generate a portion of the station’s daily food supply. We use environmentally friendly techniques and local labor to produce fruits and vegetables, and encourage our students and guests to help us with farm activities. The station also houses the N'Djamena Botanical Garden, part of the African Network of Ethno botanical Gardens.  Here, our local staff is developing a collection of medicinal, edible and native plants with the goal of introducing our students and guests to the most commonly cultivated, native flora of the N'Djamena Valley.

• Building facilities: Ten percent of the station’s infrastructure is comprised of campus buildings. Our student center houses a communal dining hall, research library, internet lab, and administration offices.  Other buildings include student dormitories, a wet/dry laboratory, classrooms, and a faculty house. Comfortable cabinas are available for families and ecotourists.

National Univerity of Chad Ecolodge N'Djamena and Research Station invites academic organizations, university field courses, and school groups to use our facility as a base from which to immerse yourself in the natural richness of the cloud forest and Chad culture.  We are equipped to host groups for stays of 3 days to 3 months, year round.