3-Day Arba Minch, Nechisar and Maze National Parks Exploration Tour

• Southern Ethiopia

Overview

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.

Nechisar National Park, located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia, is one of the country’s most scenic and ecologically diverse parks. Established in 1974, the park covers an area of about 514 square kilometers and is situated near the town of Arba Minch, which serves as the gateway to the park.

Located in the southwestern part of Ethiopia, Maze National Park is named after the Maze River, which flows through the park. The park is known for being one of the last remaining habitats of the endemic Swayne’s hartebeest. In addition to this rare species, the park is home to buffalo, lions, leopards, and several antelope species. The park’s landscape is characterized by savannah grasslands, dense bushland, and riverine forests, providing a varied environment for wildlife.

Itinerary

Highlights: Immersive wildlife viewing, particularly the large Nile crocodiles and hippos of Nechisar National Park, and the endangered Swayne’s Hartebeest in Maze National Park.

Day 1: Arrival in Arba Minch & Nechisar National Park (Lake Chamo)
⦁ Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Arba Minch (via domestic flight to Arba Minch Airport, or by road). Transfer to your hotel and check in.
⦁ Late Afternoon: Head to Nechisar National Park, which is easily accessible from Arba Minch.
⦁ Embark on a boat trip on Lake Chamo. This is a highlight, offering close encounters with impressive Nile crocodiles at the famous “Crocodile Market” and large pods of hippopotamuses. The lake is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with numerous species including pelicans, marabou storks, and fish eagles.
⦁ Enjoy the scenic views, including the “Bridge of God” viewpoint that separates Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya.
⦁ Evening: Dinner and overnight in Arba Minch.
Day 2: Full-Day Expedition to Maze National Park
⦁ Morning (Early Start – approx. 1-1.5 hours drive one way): After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Maze National Park. The park is located about 95 km west of Arba Minch.
⦁ Mid-Morning/Afternoon: Enjoy an extensive game drive within Maze National Park. This park is specifically vital for the conservation of the endangered Swayne’s Hartebeest, an antelope subspecies endemic to Ethiopia. You’ll have excellent opportunities to spot these unique creatures, along with other plains animals like Burchell’s zebra, greater kudu, oribi, and various bird species amidst the open savanna landscapes.
⦁ Late Afternoon: Begin your drive back to Arba Minch.
⦁ Evening: Dinner and overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 3: Arba Minch Departure
⦁ Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule or onward plans, you may have some free time. You could opt for a quick visit to the Forty Springs within Arba Minch town, or explore a local market if time permits.
⦁ Late Morning/Afternoon: Transfer to Arba Minch Airport (AMH) for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa, or continue your journey by road, concluding your tour

Total cost: $300 pp

What’s included?
⦁ All ground transport during the tour (Arba Minch → Nechisar → Maze NP → Arba Minch)
⦁ 2 nights’ accommodation in Arba Minch (standard or mid-range lodge/hotel)
⦁ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the tour
⦁ Lake Chamo boat excursion (Crocodile Market, hippos, birds)
⦁ Entrance fees to Nechisar and Maze National Parks
⦁ Game drives in the Maze NP
⦁ Professional English-speaking guide
⦁ Bottled water throughout the trip
⦁ Taxes and service charges
Not Included:
⦁ Domestic flights (e.g., Addis Ababa ↔ Arba Minch)
⦁ Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcohol, etc.)
⦁ Optional activities or tips