Southern

Nechisar National Park

Rift Valley park with the Bridge of God, zebra plains and Lake Chamo's giant crocodiles.

What is Nechisar National Park

Nechisar National Park, also spelled Nech Sar, is a national park in Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley beside the town of Arba Minch. Its signature feature is the Bridge of God, a narrow forested ridge that separates the reddish-brown waters of Lake Abaya from the blue-green waters of Lake Chamo. The park is known for zebra-dotted grasslands and the crocodile market, where large Nile crocodiles bask on the shore of Lake Chamo.

Founded in 1974, Nechisar covers the land and water between Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo and the white grass plains to the east that give the park its name (nech sar means white grass in Amharic). Groundwater forest, hot springs and the Amaro mountains frame the scene.

Wildlife includes plains zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Guenther’s dik-dik, greater kudu, hippos and a rich birdlife of pelicans, kingfishers and fish eagles.

Why Visit Nechisar National Park

Nechisar gives you two of the Rift Valley’s great views in one visit: the Bridge of God from the Arba Minch escarpment and a boat ride among hippos and huge crocodiles on Lake Chamo. It pairs perfectly with the cultures of the Dorze highlands and Konso, making Arba Minch one of the best bases in southern Ethiopia.

History and Significance of Nechisar National Park

The park was established in 1974 to protect the plains and lakes around Arba Minch. It was once home to Swayne’s hartebeest, which has now disappeared from the park. Nechisar also gave its name to the Nechisar nightjar, a bird described from a single wing found here in 1990 and still one of Africa’s great birding mysteries.

Top Things to Do in Nechisar National Park

Bridge of God viewpoint: see the contrasting colours of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo from above Arba Minch.
Lake Chamo boat trip: visit the crocodile market and hippo pods.
Game drive on the Nechisar plains: zebra, gazelle and dik-dik.
Forty Springs: the groundwater forest and springs that gave Arba Minch its name.
Birdwatching: waterbirds on the lakes and savanna species on the plains.

Best Time to Visit Nechisar National Park

October to March is dry and the easiest time for game drives. Tracks can become impassable after heavy rain in April, May and from August to October.

Period	What to expect
October to March	Dry tracks and good game viewing.
April to May	Rains; some tracks may close.
June to September	Variable; check road conditions.

How to Get to Nechisar National Park from Addis Ababa

Fly from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch in about one hour, or drive about 450 kilometres south via the Rift Valley over one or two days. The park headquarters and boat landing are just outside Arba Minch. A 4×4 is required inside the park.

How Many Days Do You Need in Nechisar National Park

One full day covers a boat trip on Lake Chamo and a game drive. Add Dorze and Konso for a two to three day stay in Arba Minch.

Trip type	Suggested time
Half day	Lake Chamo boat trip and crocodiles.
Full day	Boat trip plus game drive on the plains.
Two to three days	Add Dorze village and Konso.

Where to Stay in Nechisar National Park

Arba Minch has hotels and lodges on the escarpment with views over both lakes and the Bridge of God. Camping inside the park is possible with arrangements.

What to Wear and Pack for Nechisar National Park

Bring sun protection, a hat, binoculars, insect repellent and a camera with zoom for crocodiles and birds. Light, neutral clothing works best on game drives.

Is Nechisar National Park Safe to Visit

Arba Minch is a regular stop on southern routes. Inside the park, stay with your scout, never approach the water’s edge near crocodiles, and follow the boatman’s instructions. Check current travel advice for southern Ethiopia before your trip.

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

Visit the Dorze people in the Chencha highlands, the UNESCO-listed Konso cultural landscape, and continue south to the Omo Valley.