Gateway Town · Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Arba Minch
Set on the Rift Valley escarpment above Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, Arba Minch is the gateway to Nech Sar, the Dorze highlands and the Omo Valley.
- Best Time
- Year-round
- Suggested Stay
- 1 to 2 days
- Altitude
- 1,285 m
- Region
- Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Why We Go
The town of “Forty Springs”, between two lakes on the road to the Omo.
Arba Minch is named after the springs that bubble up in the groundwater forest below the town. It sits between Lake Abaya, tinted red by sediment, and Lake Chamo, home to large crocodiles and hippos.
With good hotels and an airport, it is the natural base for exploring southern Ethiopia before continuing to Konso, Jinka and Turmi.
Highlights
- Boat safaris on Lake Chamo
- Views across the Bridge of God
- Day trips to Dorze and Chencha
- The forest springs that give the town its name
Journeys Including Arba Minch
Routes that pass through here
More in Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Plan This Destination
Build Arba Minch into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and our team will plan the route, including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
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Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our guides travel these routes all year. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or the best time to visit. You will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on +251 912 039405