Southern Ethiopia

Region

The south, home to dozens of ethnic groups. The Omo Valley's peoples, such as the Hamar and Mursi, draw visitors to markets around Jinka and Turmi, Arba Minch sits between two lakes below Nechisar National Park, and the Konso terraces are on the UNESCO list.

Southern Ethiopia Lower Valley of the OmoLake AbayaMago National ParkOmo National ParkLake ChamoMaze National ParkButajiri-Silti FieldKorathChirachaTosa SuchaSenkelle Swayne's Hartebeest SanctuaryThe Gedeo Cultural LandscapeHawassaArba MinchChebera Churchura National ParkLake HawassaNechisar National ParkKonso Cultural LandscapeSodoHosaenaKaratiDilla

Southern Ethiopia essentials

Country: Ethiopia
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Birr (Br)
Language: Amharic, Oromo, Somali
Emergency: 91

Where to Go in Southern Ethiopia

City Arba Minch Arba MinchCity with scenic lakes and wildlife City Hawassa HawassaCity in Sidama Region, known for Lake Awasa City Karati KaratiCity in South Ethiopia Regional State City Dilla DillaCity in South Ethiopia Regional State, Ethiopia History Lower Valley of the Omo Lower Valley of the OmoArchaeological region with diverse indigenous cultures and fossils History The Gedeo Cultural Landscape The Gedeo Cultural LandscapeAgroforestry landscape shaped by enset cultivation and terracing Nature Lake Abaya Lake AbayaRift Valley lake in southern Ethiopia with fisheries Nature Mago National Park Mago National ParkRemote Ethiopian park protecting ethnic diversity and wildlife Nature Nechisar National Park Nechisar National ParkEthiopian park between Lakes Chamo and Abaya, wildlife Nature Omo National Park Omo National ParkRemote Ethiopian park sheltering diverse tribes and wildlife Nature Lake Chamo Lake ChamoDeep Rift Valley lake famous for hippos and birds Nature Lake Hawassa Lake HawassaRift Valley lake in Ethiopia known for birdlife
Regions & Cities
Hawassa Explore Hawassa Hawassa’s lakefront draws people for early boat rides to see hippos and pelicans, fresh fish grilled along the pier, a lakeside promenade and nearby Rift escarpments for late‑afternoon hikes and soda‑ash ponds used by local fishermen. Arba Minch Explore Arba Minch Two lakes meet at Arba Minch’s shores - Abaya and Chamo - where boat trips pass hippos and crocodiles; travelers also trek to Nechisar’s wooded hills, visit Dorze villages for beehive huts and beaded weaving, and catch sunrise over the Rift escarpment. Chebera Churchura National Park Explore Chebera Churchura National Park In Ethiopia’s Oromia region, Chebera Churchura National Park contains woodland, rivers and waterfalls with elephants and buffalo-visitors come for wildlife viewing and guided hikes. Lake Hawassa Explore Lake Hawassa On Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, Lake Hawassa borders the city of Hawassa; visitors take boat trips, watch waterbirds and sample lakeside markets and cafés offering fresh fish. Nechisar National Park Explore Nechisar National Park Between Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo near Arba Minch, Nechisar National Park mixes wetlands and savannah. Explore Konso Cultural Landscape Konso’s terraces, stone-built villages and carved wooden stelae record generations of agricultural knowledge and social structure; visitors observe living farming systems and fortified settlement layouts on guided walks. Explore Sodo A southern Ethiopian hub, Sodo attracts travelers to its busy markets, Wolayta cultural performances and strong local coffee. Explore Hosaena A regional market town in southern Ethiopia, Hosaena draws visitors for coffee ceremonies, crowded grain and livestock markets, and nearby highland farms.

Top Cities in Southern Ethiopia

Arba Minch Hawassa Karati Dilla Hosaena Sodo

Southern Ethiopia at a Glance

Local Time
3:09 AM
GMT+3
Population
14,929,548

Best Things to Do in Southern Ethiopia