Nech Sar is a national park in the southwest of Ethiopia. It is located on Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo near the city Arba Minch.
background
history
landscape
Nech Sar means "white grass" and alludes to the large steppe grass plain in the middle of the park. The beginning is light jungle.
Flora and fauna
In the park there are many monkeys to be seen (baboon species) that are peaceful and slightly shy. With a little patience, however, you can get close to the animals. Otherwise you can see a lot of warthogs. Herds of gazelles, antelopes and zebras can be seen in the plain. There are also lions in Nech Sar Park, which you rarely see. The Chamo Lake is teeming with crocodiles, herds of hippos and large birds (pelicans, marabous, osprey). We recommend a boat trip to the crocodile market (see activities.)
climate
getting there
Fees / permits
[05-2006] Entry for 24 hours 70 Birr p. Person / fee for own car 20 birr / two-hour boat trip on the Chamo lake 200 birr per boat
mobility
A vehicle with 4 WD or a very powerful vehicle with 2 WD drive (e.g. Toyota Landcruiser) is required to visit the park. There are very steep slopes to be overcome; when it rains, the ground is very soft so that the park cannot be visited.
Visiting the crocodile market on your own through the jungle is not recommended, as there are mostly no paths and you expose yourself to a great deal of risk.
activities
Boat trip to the crocodile market
The crocodile market is a stretch of beach on Lake Chamo that is particularly populated by crocodiles. It is possible to book a trip with a motorboat there. In addition to crocodiles, there are many hippos and large birds (pelicans, marabous, ospreys) to be seen. The boat trip takes about 2 hours and costs 200 birr per boat, possibly transport to the landing stage 10 km away if you do not have your own car. (Prices 05-2006)
Interested parties are advised to contact Mr Bierhani (mobile phone: 911 398918) directly. He is a captain who is also recommended by the tourist office and speaks good English (i.e. can also identify birds that have been sighted). Other captains can also be found free of charge in the tourist office. In no case should you be conveyed by any "guide" (not even from the "Bekele Mola Hotel"!) That you are willing to pay around 100 Birr more ...
The best time is the afternoon, as the crocodiles then rest their digestive sleep in the sun on the bank.
camping
Camping is allowed anywhere in the park.
