Nechisar National Park

Nechisar means white grass, for the pale plains that fill the middle of the park between lakes Abaya and Chamo, and driving out across them with the Amaro mountains rising to the east is the experience the park is built on. Burchell's zebra are the animal most reliably seen, in herds on the plains, along with Grant's gazelle, greater kudu in the bush and a small population of Swayne's hartebeest. Hot springs bubble at the eastern edge. The groundwater forest near the gate holds different species again. The park has had long-running problems with settlement, grazing and a failed concession arrangement, and its condition reflects that. Roads inside are rough and a four-wheel drive with a scout is required.

History

Nechisar National Park was proposed in 1967 and officially established in 1974. It has never been legally gazetted, but has worked since then as a de facto national park in the Great Rift Valley (Wikipedia, Nechisar National Park).

Highlights

• The white grass plains - pale open grassland in the park's centre.
• Zebra herds - the most visible large mammal on the plains.
• Hot springs - thermal water at the eastern edge of the park.
• Groundwater forest - dense woodland near the entrance gate.

When to go

October to March for the tracks and for game viewing on open grass. Early morning and late afternoon are the active hours. Rains make the plains crossing difficult or impossible.

What to expect

Wildlife densities are low compared with East African parks and large predators are effectively absent. Roads are rough and a capable vehicle is essential. Settlement and grazing inside the park are visible and are a real conservation problem. Scouts are compulsory and charged separately.

Nearby

Arba Minch lies west; Lake Chamo is on the southern boundary.

Key facts