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$250/
Per PersonOverview
Arba Minch, a vibrant town in southern Ethiopia, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and strategic location in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. It serves as the administrative center of the Gamo Gofa Zone in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR). The name “Arba Minch,” meaning “Forty Springs” in Amharic, reflects the town’s famous underground water springs that contribute to its lush, green environment.
Key Features of Arba Minch:
⦁ Natural Springs
⦁ Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo
⦁ Nechisar National Park
⦁ Scenic Landscapes
⦁ .Cultural Diversity
⦁ Dorze Village
Itinerary
This itinerary offers a good blend of nature, wildlife, and cultural immersion within a short timeframe in Arba Minch.
Day 1: Arba Minch – Lake Chamo Boat Trip & Crocodile Market
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Arba Minch.
⦁ If flying from Addis Ababa, you’ll arrive at the airport (Arba Minch Airport, AMH).
⦁ If driving, you’ll reach the city by road.
⦁ Check into your hotel.
⦁ Most hotels are perched on the hills, offering spectacular panoramic views of the “Bridge of God” – the narrow land bridge separating Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya.
⦁ Enjoy lunch at your hotel or a local restaurant with a view.
Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Lake Chamo Boat Trip.
⦁ Head down to the shore of Lake Chamo for a memorable boat trip.
⦁ This trip is famous for its “Crocodile Market,” which is not a market, but rather a high concentration of very large Nile crocodiles basking on the banks of the lake.
⦁ You’ll also get up close with hippos in the water.
⦁ The lake is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to numerous species including Great White Pelicans, Marabou Storks, Fish Eagles, Kingfishers, and various egrets and herons.
⦁ Enjoy the stunning views of the Rift Valley scenery and the distant plains of Nechisar National Park.
Evening: Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner, often with a beautiful sunset over the lakes. Overnight in Arba Minch.
Day 2: Dorze Village & Departure
Morning (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM): Dorze Village Visit.
⦁ After breakfast, drive up into the Gughe Mountains (about 45 minutes to an hour from Arba Minch) to visit a Dorze village.
⦁ The Dorze people are renowned for their towering, beehive-shaped bamboo houses, which can reach heights of over 12 meters.
⦁ These unique structures are designed to last for many years and can even be moved.
⦁ Learn about their traditional lifestyle, culture, and their highly skilled weaving.
⦁ You’ll often see women spinning cotton and men weaving traditional textiles.
⦁ You’ll likely be invited into one of their homes to observe their daily life and perhaps sample their “kocho” (false banana bread) and local ‘araqe’ (a traditional alcoholic drink).
⦁ Enjoy the panoramic views of the “Bridge of God” and the lakes from the higher elevation.
Late Morning/Lunch (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM): Return to Arba Minch.
⦁ Drive back down to Arba Minch.
⦁ Have lunch at your hotel or a preferred restaurant.
Afternoon: Depending on your onward travel plans, you can depart from Arba Minch either by flying back to Addis Ababa from Arba Minch Airport or continuing your journey by road to another destination.
Total Cost: $250 pp
Inclusions
The total cost of $250 per person typically includes:
🚐 Transport & Transfers
⦁ Airport pick-up and drop-off in Arba Minch (if arriving by flight)
⦁ All ground transportation within Arba Minch and to Dorze Village in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with driver
🧭 Guided Services & Entry Fees
⦁ English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
⦁ Lake Chamo boat trip (includes guide, boat rental, and park ranger)
⦁ Entrance fees for:
⦁ Lake Chamo (Nechisar National Park side)
⦁ Dorze Village visit
🏨 Accommodation
⦁ 1 night in a mid-range hotel or eco-lodge in Arba Minch (e.g., Paradise Lodge, Haile Resort, or similar)
⦁ Room with private bathroom and scenic view (subject to availability)
⦁ Hotel service charges and taxes are included
🍽️ Meals & Drinks
⦁ 2 lunches (Day 1 & Day 2)
⦁ 1 dinner (Day 1)
⦁ 1 breakfast (Day 2)
⦁ Bottled mineral water during excursions
🧾 Tour Coordination & Support
⦁ All planning and logistics handled by a local tour operator
⦁ Government taxes and tourism levies
❌ Exclusions
The following items are not included in the $250 tour price:
✈️ Flights
⦁ Domestic flight to/from Arba Minch (can be arranged separately upon request)
⦁ International flights to/from Ethiopia
🧳 Personal Items
⦁ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
⦁ Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not part of the meal plan
⦁ Personal snacks, laundry, or phone/internet services
💵 Tips & Optional Expenses
⦁ Tips for guides, drivers, and boat crew (at your discretion)
⦁ Souvenirs or crafts purchased during the Dorze Village visit
⦁ Optional extras such as spa treatments or drinks at the hotel
🛌 Accommodation Upgrades or Early Check-In
⦁ Single room supplement (available on request)
⦁ Room upgrades or early check-in/late check-out fees
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