Arba Minch, Ethiopia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Arba Minch, Ethiopia? If you're planning to go to Arba Minch, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Based on the climate and weather in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Arba Minch, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Arba Minch, Ethiopia by month

January

January here is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. It's important that you find the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

February

February here can be very hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Take care to choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

March

March in Arba Minch is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Ensure that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

April

If you go to Arba Minch in April, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

May

If you vacation in Arba Minch during May, you are likely to see that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you go to Arba Minch in June, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be sure to find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

July

July here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Check that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

August

August in Arba Minch is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Take care to choose the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

September

If you go to Arba Minch in September, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Take care to find the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

October for Arba Minch is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Check that you pick the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

November

If you visit Arba Minch during November, you might see that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be careful to get the right type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

December

December in Arba Minch is hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Arba Minch may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

What to do in Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Located in the Southern Ethiopian Highlands, Arba Minch is one of the most idyllic destinations in Ethiopia. Home to more than a dozen of ethno-linguistic groups, this city is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique wildlife. If you are planning to visit this amazing city, you must check out the top tourist attractions in Arba Minch.

1. Nechisar National Park

Nechisar National Park is a must-visit destination in Arba Minch. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including zebras, gazelles, baboons, hyenas, and crocodiles. It is also home to the endemic species, the Nechisar nightjar, which can be spotted only in this park. Visitors can also take guided tours or watch birds in the park.

2. Lake Chamo

Lake Chamo is situated south of Arba Minch and is known for its crocodiles and hippos. Visitors can take boat tours to see the hippos and crocodiles up close, and to spot various species of birds that call the lake home. Lake Chamo is also a great place for fishing, and visitors can catch fish like catfish, tilapia, and Nile perch.

3. Dorze Village

Dorze Village is a place where visitors can experience the traditional way of living of the Dorze tribe. The unique architecture of the houses in the village, made of bamboo and thatched grass, is impressive. There are also several workshops where visitors can learn about weaving, pottery, and basket making. You should also try the local delicacy, kocho, made from the false banana plant.

4. Crocodile Ranch

The Crocodile Ranch in Arba Minch is one of the largest crocodile farms in the world. The farm has over 6,000 crocodiles and visitors can see them in their natural habitat. There are also opportunities to feed the crocodiles and to learn about their habitat and lifecycle.

5. Abaya Lake

Abaya Lake is Ethiopia's second-largest lake and is situated north of Arba Minch. This lake is famous for its fish, and visitors can hire fishing boats to catch fish like Nile perch and catfish. This lake is also a great place for bird watching, including pelicans, African fish eagles, and cormorants.

In conclusion, Arba Minch has a lot to offer to visitors who are looking for a unique cultural and natural experience. You can encounter some of the rarest wildlife, learn about unique tribes, enjoy scenic views and taste delicious local delicacies. The attractions mentioned above are the ideal choices for travelers who want to add a bit of diversity in their travels.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Sikhote-Alin, Russia, Uttara Kannada, India, Daska, Pakistan, Ziarat, Pakistan, Kohama, Japan, Mamallapuram, India, Wyoming County, New York, United States of America, Kihnu, Estonia, Oryol, Russia, Cowansville, Quebec, Canada, and Hondarribia, Spain.