Arba Minch is a great example of how different groups of tourists can see the same place in two very different ways. While some travellers might speak highly of the town and its surroundings, especially those staying exclusively at the Paradise Lodge, the childless backpacker crowd might find Arba Minch to be tougher work than expected, and not so rewarding either. If you’re the type who eats somewhere different every night and who walks the streets just to explore and soak up the ambience, you might find Arba Minch rather lacking (you might also find yourself being harassed by all manner of young beggars and dishevelled hawkers!). The Nech Sar National Park might just be one of the main reasons you’ve come this far south, and if you’re not on a prearranged tour you can be certain to find yourself dealing with the See Us Tour Guide Association – who are pretty much the only outfit in town. If you do have the option to safari elsewhere in East Africa, you might want to save your coin and focus on a visit to the interesting Dorze Village instead. You could even get some perspective on the town by trying out the Arba Minch Walk 1; the hassle-free views of lakes Abaya and Chamo from up there almost make the journey this far south worthwhile.
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Top Tips
Arba Minch is split into the two towns of Sikela and Shecha. Minibuses run the 4km between the two for about ETB5.
While Shecha has a higher concentration of tourist amenities, Sikela is cheaper and is where you’ll find the bus station (as well as other town amenities) and the entrance to Nech Sar National Park.
Don’t expect access to too many facilities or amenities in Arba Minch. It feels more like a rural town here than a city.
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