Nechisar National Park Ethiopia

Nechisar National Park (also spelled as Nech Sar) is one of the National Parks of Ethiopia. Located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) immediately to the east of Arba Minch, its 514 square kilometers of territory include the “Bridge of God” (an isthmus between Lakes Abaya and Chamo), and the Nechisar (English: white grass) plains east of the lakes. Park elevations range between 1108 and 1650 meters above sea level.

Size and Location of Nechisar National Park Ethiopia

Nechisar National Park is situated 510km south of Addis near the town of Arba Minch, in between Lakes Abaya and Chamo, from the town on the ridge of land that divides Abaya and Chamo, there are commanding panoramic views all around including both lakes, with Nechisar on the eastern side and to the west, the Guge mountain range.

The outstanding beauty of the neck of land between the two lakes has earned it the sobriquet of’ Bridge of Heaven’. The equally poetic Arba Minch – meaning ‘forty springs’ – takes its name from the bubbling streams which spring up amid the undergrowth of the luxuriant groundwater forest that covers the flats beneath the town. This alluring area is considered one of Ethiopia’s last great surviving wildernesses.

How to get to Nechisar National Park Ethiopia

Separated by a distance of over 250 miles, the quickest, and most convenient, way to travel from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch is by taking the short Ethiopian domestic flight.

The flight time is just over one hour and the plane fare is in the region of $100, depending on the time of year and demand.

It is possible to drive from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch in about 9 hours.

Things to do in Nechisar National Park Ethiopia

The tourism activities here are not really developed but the park has incredible wildlife and bird species recorded during the time of the management of African Parks, the park is a habitat to about 188 recorded species of birds which include Red-billed Hornbill, Grey Hornbill Fish Eagle, Kori Bustard, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.

Recorded wildlife includes Bushbuck, Swayne’s Hartebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Greater Kudu, Crocodile, Anubis Baboon, and Grey Duiker.

The shores and islands of Abaya and Chamo are populated by farming peoples such as the Ganjule and the Guji, both of whom also have ancient traditions of hippo hunting. The Guji ply the Lake Abaya waters in elegantly curved high-prowled ambatch boats similar to those depicted on the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. Made of extremely light wood, an ambatch is capable of transporting several cattle at one time and is sufficiently sturdy to withstand any attack by crocodiles, which are present in large numbers – and large sizes – on both lakes.

When to visit Nechisar National Park Ethiopia

The best time to visit Nechisar national park is from January to March. Tourists in Arba Minch during these summer months can enjoy comfortable temperatures ranging from 50 to 75F (10-24ºC) and low rainfall, perfect for walking by the lakes and spotting wildlife.

For those who prefer to travel outside of peak season, the best alternative is October to December. Conditions are still good, slightly cooler than the high season, optimal weather for trekking.

Tourists should avoid the area in the monsoon season. The most rain falls from April to June and there is a second wet period from September to October. Heavy rainfall can make it difficult to see Nechisar National Park and its lakes.

Where to stay in Nechisar national park Ethiopia

Clients traveling to Nechisar national park can stay in Arba Minch and our peaks are Emerald resort Arba Minch, Paradise lodge, Hotel, and Loj show, and Elim lodge.

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