Nech Sar

Nech Sar National Park, whose name means 'White Grass' in Amharic, is located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region of southern Ethiopia, near the town of Arba Minch. The park covers approximately 514 square kilometres on the narrow land bridge between Lakes Abaya and Chamo—two of the Ethiopian Rift Valley's major lakes. Established in 1974, the park protects a remarkable landscape of white savanna grass, acacia woodland, and groundwater forests fed by springs emerging from the land bridge, known locally as 'Forty Springs' (Arba Minch in Amharic). Nech Sar is renowned for its large Burchell's zebra (Beisa race) population, one of the biggest zebra concentrations in Ethiopia, and for the abundant Nile crocodile and hippopotamus of Lake Chamo.

Nech Sar's most visible large mammals are the zebra herds that graze the white grass plains of the central land bridge—concentrations can number hundreds of animals. Grant's gazelle, Soemmerring's gazelle, and Burchell's zebra are the primary ungulates. Common warthog, olive baboon, Anubis baboon, and Guereza colobus inhabit the woodland and forest margins. Lion and leopard are present. Lake Chamo is famous for its enormous Nile crocodile population, one of the largest in Africa, with individuals exceeding 5 metres in length. Hippopotamus are abundant in both lakes. Over 350 bird species have been recorded, including African fish eagle, Goliath heron, saddle-billed stork, Pink-backed pelican, and yellow-billed stork on the lakes.

The 'white grass' plains that give the park its name are dominated by Pennisetum stramineum, which dries to a pale straw colour in the dry season, creating the distinctive open savanna appearance. The groundwater forest area around the Forty Springs supports an extraordinary forest fed by artesian springs—dense stands of Acacia albida, Ficus spp., and Barringtonia racemosa create a green oasis amid the drier surroundings. Acacia tortilis and Acacia senegal woodland covers much of the land bridge plateau. The lakeshore margins support reed beds of Phragmites and Typha. On the escarpments fringing the park, dry evergreen Afromontane forest elements persist. The park's vegetation is shaped by its position between two lakes and its access to groundwater.

Nech Sar occupies the narrow land bridge between Lakes Abaya and Chamo in the Main Ethiopian Rift. Both lakes occupy graben basins formed by normal faulting as the African and Somali tectonic plates diverge. Lake Abaya (1,162 sq km) lies at higher elevation (1,285 m) and drains into Lake Chamo (317 sq km) via the Kulfo River. The alkaline chemistry of Abaya gives it a characteristic brownish colour, while Chamo is clearer. Underlying the land bridge are permeable volcanic aquifers through which water percolates from the surrounding escarpment, emerging as the Forty Springs that sustain the groundwater forest. The escarpment faces provide dramatic views over both lakes from different vantage points within the park.

The park has a semi-arid tropical climate moderated by its elevation of approximately 1,200–1,650 metres. Two rainy seasons occur: the short rains (March–May) and the long rains (June–September), delivering a combined annual total of approximately 700–900 mm. Temperatures are warm, with mean daily maxima of 26–30°C, rarely dropping below 15°C at night. The dry season (October–February) is the most comfortable for visitors and offers the best wildlife viewing, as the open white grass plains make zebra herds easy to spot. Lake Chamo is calmest and most suitable for boat trips from October to January. Humidity is relatively low year-round compared to more tropical parts of Ethiopia.

The land bridge between Lakes Abaya and Chamo has been inhabited by the Guji Oromo and Gamo peoples, who used the springs and lake resources for fishing, watering livestock, and farming for centuries. Arba Minch (meaning 'Forty Springs') takes its name from the freshwater springs in the forest area. The Ethiopian Government established the town as an administrative centre in the post-imperial period. Forced resettlement of communities from within the park boundaries during the 1970s–2000s created lasting grievances between local people and park authorities. The removal of approximately 10,000 Guji Oromo from inside the park in 2005 generated international controversy and human rights criticism.

Nech Sar National Park was gazetted in 1974 by the Derg government. Early management focused on protecting the spectacular zebra population and lake fauna. In 2005, a controversial resettlement of Guji Oromo communities from within the park boundaries was carried out, generating criticism from Human Rights Watch and international media. Subsequent park management has sought to improve community relations through benefit-sharing mechanisms. The park has received support from African Parks (a conservation NGO) and EWCA. A boat patrol on Lake Chamo monitors crocodile populations and deters illegal fishing. The groundwater forest is managed as a special conservation zone given its unique hydrological character.

Game drives across the white grass plains are the park's signature activity, offering reliable zebra sightings alongside warthog, gazelle, and baboon. Boat trips on Lake Chamo to the 'crocodile market'—a sandbar where dozens of enormous Nile crocodiles bask—are one of Ethiopia's most dramatic wildlife encounters. The boat also passes through large hippo pods. The Forty Springs groundwater forest walk is a tranquil activity through one of the region's most unusual forest types. Birdwatching on the lake shores and in the forest provides excellent diversity. The road along the escarpment edge to the park gate affords spectacular views over both lakes. Sunrise and sunset views from the escarpment above Arba Minch are exceptional.

Arba Minch, 10 kilometres from the park, is the visitor hub and has regular flights from Addis Ababa (approximately 1 hour). Arba Minch has multiple hotels ranging from budget to mid-range. The main park gate is reached via the paved road to Shecha, the upper part of Arba Minch town. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended within the park. Boat trips on Lake Chamo depart from the boat station on the lakeshore and must be pre-arranged through the park or tour operators in Arba Minch. The entry fee is paid at the gate. Ranger guides are available. The park can be visited as a day trip from Arba Minch or combined with visits to the Dorze cultural village and the Konso UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Nech Sar faces threats from illegal fishing in both lakes, which depletes the fish stocks that support the crocodile and waterbird populations. Encroachment on park boundaries by agricultural expansion and cattle grazing is persistent. Invasive plants including Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) have invaded parts of the park and compete with native vegetation. Water level changes in Lake Abaya, partly attributed to sedimentation from deforestation in its catchment, have altered the lake ecosystem. Conservation efforts include anti-poaching boat patrols, community benefit-sharing programmes, and invasive species control. The park's proximity to Arba Minch and established tourism infrastructure make it one of the more viable parks for sustainable tourism development in Ethiopia.