Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
still roams the park, too, but don't expect to meet them. Olive baboons, black-and-white
colobus and Guenther's dik-dik can often be seen between the headquarters and Forty
Springs. The birdlife is more diverse: 351 species have been counted and there isn't a
birder alive who doesn't want to see the Nechisar nightjar (see the sidebar on
Click here
)
,
but you'll probably have to settle for Abyssinian ground hornbills and Kori bustards.
Whether entering by land or water, you must pay park fees at the
park headquarters
(admission US$10, vehicle US$2; 6.30am-5.30pm)
.
Armed scouts
(up to 12hr US$6,
up to 24hr US$10)
are mandatory for everywhere except the Crocodile Market.
Sights & Activities
Crocodile Market
Where the Kulfo River empties into Lake Chamo you'll find oodles of crocodiles sunning
themselves. Both the size of the congregation and the size of the crocs (6m is common)
makes this one of Africa's best crocodile displays. There are also plenty of hippos, fish
eagles and shore birds.
The
Rift Valley Boat Service Association
( 0468-814080; 7am-5.30pm)
, whose
office is in Shecha, holds a monopoly on the trips, which is why prices are so high. The
cost of the boat (which has a roof) for a group of up to six people is Birr770 and hiring the
mandatory guide from the
See Us Tour Guide Association
(
Click here
)
costs Birr120.
You also have to transport the guide and boat driver to the launching point, 11km from
Shecha. If you don't have your own wheels, hiring a minibus costs up to Birr400, round
trip.
While it's only a 20- to 30-minute boat ride to the crocs (there's actually not a single
spot - their preferred perch changes with the seasons), allow two hours for the trip. It's
best to visit mid-afternoon or early morning.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER
Nechisar Plain
The main wildlife-watching circuit crosses the Bridge of God to the park's namesake sa-
vannah, but the road is so atrocious that many tour companies prefer not to come here;
nobody will attempt it when it's wet. It takes about three hours to reach the plains so
there's no chance of wildlife watching during the morning hours unless you camp.
Another option is to boat across and then walk, though because of past armed robberies
the park turns permission for this on and off with some regularity. You'll need to bring an
armed scout from the park headquarters. A boat from the association (see above) costs
Birr1760 for up to six people and can cross in about 90 minutes.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER
