Arba Minch

The southern town of Arba Minch is situated in a beautiful setting at the foothills of the Rift Valley escarpment and overlooking Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. The name of the town translated as '40 springs', which are found nearby. It is an excellent base for some trips in the surrounding area.

The best places to stay in town are the Paradise Lodge and Swayne's Hotel. A real authentic place to stay, about 30 km from Arba Minch, is at the Dorze Lodge with amazing view over Lake Abaya and Chamo and sleeping in the original Dorze hut.

Nech Sar National Park

The Nech Sar National Park includes parts of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo and the 'Bridge of God' between them. It offers stunning scenery and a variety of wildlife among them the endemic Swayne's hartebeest. Gamedrives and walks are possible in the park. A boattrip on Lake Chamo offers a variety of birds, most of the time hippo's and a spectacular visit to the 'crocodile market' where dozens of crocodiles (among them the biggest of Africa) warming their bodies in sun.

Chencha and Dorze

The Dorze people are living around the villages of Chencha and Dorze. They are well known for their tall beehive like huts which can reach over 10 meters when build. Eaten by termites from the bottom they become smaller and smaller over the years. The Dorze are famous for their weaving skills and for the use of the 'ensete' or 'false banana' as their staple food. When we visit we work together with the Dorze Lodge which has strong involvement with the local community. During a visit you get a real insight view in the daily life of the Dorze people. It is well worth to visit at one of the market days, in Chencha on Saturday and in Dorze on Monday and Thursday.