- Location: Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Total area: 514 square meters. km
- Year of foundation of the park: 1974
The Necisar National Park starts east of one of the largest cities in Ethiopia , Arba Myncz. It captures the territory of two large lakes Chamo and Abay, which make up 15% of the entire territory of the park. The main part of it is a valley covered with forests and shrubs, and foothills of the Amaro mountain range.
Flora of the National Park Nechisar
The Necisar National Park starts east of one of the largest cities in Ethiopia , Arba Myncz. It captures the territory of two large lakes Chamo and Abay, which make up 15% of the entire territory of the park. The main part of it is a valley covered with forests and shrubs, and foothills of the Amaro mountain range.
Flora of the National Park Nechisar
Necisar from the local dialect is translated as "White Grass", its name is from thickets of tall grass along the shores of lakes. The forest massif is mainly represented by high sycamores, which sometimes reach a height of 30 m, Nile acacia, balanitis, and also plants of the legume family.
Numerous plains of the park are covered only by bushes and tall grass, and marshy valleys near Lake Chamo and in the Kuflo River area are overgrown with holly cattail. To the south, trees and shrubs are getting smaller, revealing the view of the vast territory covered with grass.
Before Necisar received the status of a national park in 1974, forests were actively cut down to make room for cotton plantations. It was cultivated by the local tribe of Guji, who lived in these territories. In the early 80's. it was evicted from the park, many settled in the nearby town of Arba Myncz and are now working as guides, showing tourists the most interesting places and animals.
Fauna of the National Park Nechisar
A huge population of waterfowl, a crocodile market and huge hippopotamuses attract a large number of travelers to the park. Most animals can be met by moving on the lake on boats. Local crocodiles belong to the Nile breed and are considered the largest on the planet. Individual specimens can be found up to 10 m in length, the main weight being from 6 to 8 m.
Animals that can be found in Nechisar:
- crocodiles;
- hippos;
- burchellov or savanna zebra;
- shrubby pig;
- Grant gazelle;
- more than 10 species of antelopes of different sizes;
- baboons;
- monkeys of the luminaire;
- jackals;
- hyena;
- lions (very rare).
Previously, the park was inhabited by hyena-shaped dogs, to date, they supposedly completely disappeared.
Birds living on the lakes of Chamo and Abai and their surroundings:
- pelicans;
- herons;
- storks;
- marabou;
- kingfishers;
- flamingo;
- steppe harrier and kestrel (found in shrubby valleys).
Tourism in the park Nechisar
The most popular route of the park is a walk on a motor boat on colorful lakes. On the blue Chamo and the brown Abaya, one can view near the pelicans and flamingos, observe the life of hippopotami. The so-called crocodile market on the banks of the Chamo is the most exciting. Here rests a lot of large reptiles, which can be found both on land and in water. Often crocodiles swim close enough from tourist boats, which adds to the adrenaline rush.
On the land territory organize a jeep safari, during which you can see zebras, antelopes, monkeys and other representatives of wildlife of Ethiopia . But the large African predators here practically do not occur, so you should not expect a meeting with a lion.
Excursions with English-speaking guides, skating on lakes and jeep safari, as well as visits to traditional houses of local residents of the tribe of Dorsey, resembling large anthills, are organized by tourist firms in Arba Mynche. Usually the tour also includes a dinner of fish caught in the park lakes and other dishes made from local products.
How to get to the Nechisar National Park?
From the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa to Arba Mynche can be accessed in two ways: by plane or by car. Ethiopian airlines are quite reliable, have a modern fleet of airplanes and offer a fast and comfortable journey of 40 minutes.
The car will have to travel about 7-8 hours. This is convenient if you plan on it to explore other attractions in the south of the country. The road between the cities is quality and comfortable, there are incredible landscapes around. In the way you can buy local fruits and fresh juices, there is room for a delicious lunch or dinner.