Location
NNP is found in SNNPRS between the two Great Rift Valley lakes (Chamo & Abaya) near Arba-Minch town & located about 500 & 270km south of Addis Ababa and Hawassa, respectively.
Drainage:
The Park is fortunate in possessing a number of rivers, streams & lakes (Abaya, Chamo and Haro Ropi Lakes) which are reason for the rich wildlife resources of the area. Kulufo River originates from the western highlands of the area and cross the western side of the park and feeds Lake Cahmo (the largest river feeding this Lake). Sarmele River rises from the eastern highlands of the Amaro Mountains cross the eastern part of the park and mixed with Segen River out side the park, which go down together to Lake Chelbi /Estefani/ in Debub Omo.
Wildlife
The NNP diverse habitats and vegetation types shelter for over some 104 small, medium, and larger species of mammals, 351 species of birds and 1000 species of vascular plants. The park is known for its beautiful natural scenery and varieties of mammals and avian species. Among mammals: Burchel’s zebra, Grant’s gazelle, greater kudu, waterbuck, Guenther’s dik-dik, bushbuck, jackal, spotted hyena, leopard, lion, cheetah serval-cat, honey badger, gureza-coloubs, vervet monkey, olive-baboon, wild dog and caracal are common & conspicuous.
Among the avian the endemic Nech-Sar Nightjar and the globally threatened lesser-kestrel, lesser-flamingo and phalied-harrier are very well known. The park is very well-known for its good populations of the giant Nile crocodile population. Lake Chamo is the only site in the world to see the unique giant Nile crocodile population with herds of hippopotamus and congregation of waterfowls. The very well known crocodile market, where hundredth of giant Nile crocodile seen on the shore of lake Chamo (bask the morning and the late afternoon sun), Nech-Sar plains, the bridge of heaven (God), the Arba-Minch ground water forest and the forty springs and the two grate Rift Valley Lakes (Lake Abaya & Chamo) are typical features of Nech-Sar national park attracting many national and foreign tourists
Access
The Park is 500km and 250 km from to the south of Addis Ababa and Hawassa, respectively. The road from Arba-Minch town (Sikela) to the park covers a distance of 1.5km. the park hav about 180km internal roads which leads to the different attractions sites of the park.
Scenic Value
The landscape of NNP is surrounded by Lakes from north and south by the chained Amaro Mountains to the east and by the escarpments of Arba-Minch town to the west.. The landscape is breathtaking and important for sustainable eco-tourism development. The following attractions are commonly visited by many national & foreign tourists and famous. These includes the forty springs, crocodile market, Arba-Minch ground forest, Arba-Minch Hot springs, the Bridges of God are attractions found in the park.
Around the park: Crocodile ranch (one governmental & one private) , Guge mountains, Dorze landscape & cultural villages, Lake Chamo & Abaya and the cultural life and social & traditional practices of the surrounding people.
Address
Nech-Sar National Park
Po. Box: 68
Telephone: +251468840408/09
Arba-Minch |
