Lake & Wildlife Safari
Arba Minch, Southern Nations4 Days / 3 Nights4.5 (31 reviews)
About this tour
Glide across the waters of Ethiopia's Rift Valley lakes, where Nile crocodiles bask on sun-warmed banks and hippos surface with rhythmic breaths. This safari combines boat excursions on Lake Chamo's famous 'crocodile market' with explorations of traditional fishing communities, offering a peaceful counterpoint to the cultural intensity of the Omo Valley proper.
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Group size
2-10 people
Difficulty
Easy
Departure
Arba Minch Airport
Season
November to March
Languages
English, Amharic
Tour highlights
- Lake Chamo Crocodile Market
- Hippo Watching Safaris
- Bird Watching (African Fish Eagles, Pelicans)
- Nechisar National Park Game Drive
- Traditional Fishing Communities
- Dorze Village Visit
- Forty Springs Nature Walk
- Rift Valley Scenery
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Arrival in Arba Minch & Dorze Village
Fly from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch. Transfer to lakeside lodge. Afternoon visit to Dorze village in the Chencha highlands to see traditional elephant-shaped bamboo houses and weaving demonstrations. Evening orientation about Rift Valley ecology.
- Flight to Arba Minch
- Lodge check-in
- Dorze village visit
- Weaving demonstration
- Ecology briefing
Paradise LodgeLunch, Dinner
- 2
Day 2: Lake Chamo Boat Safari
Morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the famous 'crocodile market' where large Nile crocodiles bask on the shores. Observe hippos, African fish eagles, pelicans, and other water birds. Visit traditional fishing communities to learn about sustainable fishing practices. Afternoon relaxation at lodge with optional bird watching.
- Boat safari
- Crocodile viewing
- Hippo watching
- Bird watching
- Fishing community visit
Paradise LodgeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 3
Day 3: Nechisar National Park Game Drive
Morning game drive in Nechisar National Park to see zebra, gazelle, antelope, and possibly the rare Swayne's hartebeest. Visit the famous 'Bridge of God' connecting Lakes Abaya and Chamo. Afternoon nature walk at Forty Springs to see the natural springs that give Arba Minch its name ('40 Springs' in Amharic).
- Game drive
- Wildlife viewing
- Bridge of God visit
- Forty Springs walk
- Bird watching
Paradise LodgeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 4
Day 4: Departure from Arba Minch
Morning optional activities: additional bird watching, local market visit, or photography session. Flight to Addis Ababa for international connections.
- Optional activities
- Final bird watching
- Flight to Addis Ababa
- Tour conclusion
Not includedBreakfast, Lunch
What is included
Included
- All domestic flights (Addis-Arba Minch-Addis)
- All ground transportation in 4x4 vehicles
- Boat trip on Lake Chamo
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 3 nights accommodation in lodge
- All meals as per itinerary
- National park entrance fees
- All wildlife viewing activities
- Bottled water
Not included
- International flights
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Additional activities not specified
Where this tour goes
Interested in Lake & Wildlife Safari?
Send your dates and group size. We confirm availability and the route by email.