Situated between 1,400 and 1,600 meters in elevation, roughly 275 km from Awassa and 123 km from Sodo, Arba Minch is an unmissable destination for a circuit through southern Éthiopie. Bordering the Dorze village and the Nechisar National Park, this town marks the final urban stop before venturing into Éthiopie's wild frontier.

History

Founded in 1960 by Fitawrari Aemero Selasie Abebe, Arba Minch occupies the former site of Chencha, which had once served as the capital of Gamu-Gofa.

According to local accounts, Fitawrari Aemior Selassie Abebe battled the prominent figures of Chencha to relocate the capital to Arba Minch. His vision was to create a resting place for travelers journeying from Gidole to Chencha. A Norwegian Lutheran mission station was established there in 1970. The city soon gained a commercial school, later taken over by the Mekane Yesus Church. It also saw the construction of a textile mill, whose operations were not resumed until 1992. This facility was dedicated to polyester and cotton fabric production. Between 2011 and 2015, Americans used it as a base camp for their unmanned aerial vehicles.

Arba Minch Today

Arba Minch means "the 40 springs" in Amharic. True to its name, the city is home to several fountains. It offers you a privileged setting, nestled between verdant mountains, the Nechisar plains, and the lakes Abaya and Chamo.

Arba Minch gradually introduces you to the mysterious and captivating world of Éthiopie. The city comprises two districts linked by a 4 km paved road. Sikela, the lower town, houses the commercial and residential quarters. Meanwhile, administrative centers and hotels stand in Shecha, the upper town. The "Festival of 1,000 Stars" takes place here annually, organized by an association for Éthiopie art and music in partnership with the British association One Heart. This event promotes cultural diversity among ethnic groups.

Arba Minch is also renowned for fruit production and its fish farms. The city boasts an airport and a university.

Climate

Arba Minch enjoys a tropical climate with minimal winter rainfall. Annual precipitation averages 818 mm. The mean temperature stands at 21.8°C.

• By Car:

From Addis Ababa, the journey to Arba Minch takes half a day. You can make stops in Awassa, Wondo Genet, or Langano. Additionally, a shortcut allows you to pass through Butajira and Hosaena. If arriving from the west, the city is served by the road connecting Sodo to Jimma.

• By Bus:

Daily departures occur from Addis Ababa, Awassa, Shashemene, Jinka, and Weyto. Sikela and Shecha are connected by minibuses that depart at 6:30 a.m.

• By Air:

Arba Minch has an airport. Two flights per week depart from Addis Ababa airport. Another airport is located approximately 7 km from Sikela.

What to See and Do?

• Visit the Dorze village nestled in the eastern hills
• Explore Forty Springs and traverse the rocks to enjoy the natural fountains
• Venture into Nechisar National Park, home to over a hundred bird species, and more.