3 Days Arba Minch and Dorze

Crocodiles, zebras and the bamboo houses of the Dorze

About The Tour

3 Days Arba Minch and Dorze Tour: Lake Chamo, Dorze Highlands and Nechisar

Crocodiles, zebras and the bamboo houses of the Dorze

Overview

Arba Minch, whose name means forty springs, sits between two Rift Valley lakes at the foot of the Guge mountains. In three days you take a boat on Lake Chamo to see giant crocodiles and hippos, spend a day with the Dorze people in the cool highlands, and look for zebras and Swayne’s hartebeest on the plains of Nechisar National Park.

The tour starts and ends at Arba Minch airport, about an hour and ten minutes by air from Addis Ababa. It is a good short trip on its own or a gentle start to an Omo Valley tour.

Duration

3 Days (2 Nights)

Suggested Accommodations

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Arba Minch, Lake Chamo

Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch. In the afternoon take a boat on Lake Chamo to the crocodile market, where giant Nile crocodiles bask on the shore, with hippos, pelicans and fish eagles nearby. Sunset over Lakes Abaya and Chamo from the Bridge of God. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 2: Dorze Village and Chencha

Drive up into the Guge mountains, about 1 hour, to a Dorze village. See the tall beehive shaped houses built from bamboo and enset leaves, watch weavers making the cotton shawls sold all over Ethiopia, and learn how enset is turned into bread. Visit the Chencha market if it is a market day. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 3: Nechisar National Park, Fly to Addis Ababa

Early game drive in Nechisar National Park, on the plains between the two lakes, to look for Burchell’s zebras, Swayne’s hartebeest, gazelles and many birds. Return to Arba Minch for the afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.

Price and Booking

Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.

Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.

Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.

What Is Included

Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
Airport and hotel transfers
Bottled water in the vehicle
Lake Chamo boat trip
Nechisar National Park entrance and scout
Dorze village entrance and local guide

Not Included

International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
Travel insurance
Flights between Addis Ababa and Arba Minch
Lunch and dinner
Drinks, tips and personal expenses

Best Time to Go

Arba Minch can be visited all year. The driest months are December to February. Rain in April, May and October can make the road into Nechisar muddy, so we plan the game drive around the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to take a boat on Lake Chamo?

Yes. The boats are run by the park with experienced boatmen and life jackets, and they keep a safe distance from the crocodiles and hippos.

Can I continue to the Omo Valley?

Yes. Arba Minch is the gateway to the south. See our 10 day Omo Valley and Konso tour, or ask us to add Konso and the Omo Valley to this trip.

Can I stay overnight in a Dorze village?

Yes. Some Dorze families host guests in a traditional house. Ask us and we arrange it instead of the second night in Arba Minch.

Tour Languages

Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.

Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.

Booking Form

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