Top Tips for Visiting Arba minch
The best hotels are Haile, Paradise, and Mora Heights. Haile is the most expensive and the “poshest”. Paradise and Mora are cheaper, more local style, but both very comfortable and with great views. I would deffo consider all 3.
The 40 springs is super close to the city and very safe. Top tip: there is not 1 single price for the springs but about 5 people to pay: entrance 1, entrance 2, security guard, security guard tip, guide tip. I found it annoying that they kept asking for more money so it would be nicer to know this in advance 😊 There is a natural pool that you can swim in so don’t forget your swimming shorts if that’s of interest to you.
The Dorze village is roughly 25 kilometers (50–60 minutes’ drive) from the Arba Minch city up into the mountains. It is currently safe to visit although it’s a bumpy and dusty road which may not be ideal for young children.
Lake Chamo is close to Arba Minch and safe to visit. It takes about 2 hours by boat to get to the crocodiles and back. It’s more about the boat ride than the crocodiles, but they were cool to see.
They have great fish in Arba Minch (I am not generally a fish fan). I enjoyed the JF Garden restaurant and the restaurant at the Mora Heights too (great view).
Arba Minch has pickpocketing and robbery much like any other major Ethiopian city so please remain vigilant.
Other tips:
- Book a seat at the front of the plane. It costs bugger all and the back is rammed
- take a tuktuk from the airport to the hotel and vice versa. Most people take the hotel shuttle but by Tuktuk You’ll arrive earlier than the rabble making for a much more pleasant check in experience and it costs next to nothing.