Tourist offices South

The entrance to Nechisar National Park is close to Sikela, the lower town of Arba Minch. But beware, the headquarters are 1 km further on. A guide is required to enter the park. Please note that there are currently no accommodation facilities inside the park. Although a full day is sufficient to explore almost the entire Nechisar, camping (very rudimentary and self-sufficient) is nevertheless permitted, allowing you to enjoy the first moments of dawn before the park opens.

Entrance fees must be paid at park HQ. Except for hikers accustomed to the high mountains, it is preferable to take horses to transport equipment. A cook can also be hired for long treks. It's important to make sure that your guides have brought their own provisions, and it's essential to make arrangements the day before departure. Prices are detailed in the park.

To get to the Omo National Park, you have to pass through Mizan Teferi, already a 4-hour drive from Jimma, to reach Maji in another 3 hours. The Omo National Park headquarters and overnight camp are located on the banks of the Mui River, 3 hours south of Maji. From here, a scout is required to reach the best sites in the park. This is a very isolated park, where you'll need to plan to camp, as it's impossible to visit in a day. You'll also need to check safety conditions before setting off.

A boat trip to the "crocodile market" is a must in this natural area of great beauty, teeming with animal life and human activity. Hotels organize boat trips, but the easiest and cheapest way is through the Rift Valley Boat Service Association, an association of local guides. It's safe, and led by seasoned guides. As the trip is in a national park, you'll need a scout.

Entrance to Abijata and Shalla Lakes National Park is paid for at the park gate, located on the right-hand side of the main road. In addition to the conservation fee per person (valid for 24 hours), there is a charge per car and the compulsory escort of one scout and one guide per small group. The park is accessible all year round and is subject to the usual rainy seasons, mainly from June to September. However, we advise against visiting during the rainy season, because of the muddy trails around the lakes.

The local guides' association is very dynamic, just take a look at their website. It offers hot-spring bathing with a cultural village tour. Or opt for a day tour that also includes a climb up a hill to a viewpoint and a stroll to the natural "shower" of Emperor Haile Selassie, who used to come here to relax near a therapeutic sandbank. You can also hike to a waterfall or Lake Dabash.