Arba Minch: The Oasis of Southern Ethiopia

• Helloሰላም
  [selam]
• Goodbyeዋላ
  [wala]
• Yesአዎ
  [awo]
• Noአይ
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeእገለለ/እንዴት
  [egellele/endet]
• Thank youአመሰግናለሁ
  [amesegnalehu]
• Excuse me/Sorryይቅር በላይ
  [yikir baley]
• How are you?እንዴት ነህ?
  [endet neh?]
• Fine. And you?ጠንካራለሁ. አማርኛ ነህ?
  [tenekaralehu. amarigneh?]
• Do you speak English?እንዴት እንዴት እንዴት አማርኛ አድርገህ?
  [endet amarigna adrgeh?]
• I don't understandአልተወሰነህ
  [alteseneh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseመኪናውን በቅርብ ላይ እዚህ
  [mekinan bekerib laye ezih]
• I don't eat meatአምጣ አምጣ አምጣ
  [amta amta amta]
• Cheers!ሃሃ!
  [haha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseአመሰገኛለሁ, እዚህ
  [amesegenalehu, ezih]

• Help!እንዴት!
  [endet!]
• Go away!ጠይር!
  [tiyre!]
• Call the Police!ፖሊስ አይደለም!
  [polis aydelem!]
• Call a doctor!ጣለዋለሁ!
  [talewalehu!]
• I'm lostተሰርይለሁ
  [teseryelehu]
• I'm illአለኝ
  [aleng]

• I'd like to buy...ከኛ ጋር እንዴት
  [kenga gar endet]
• I'm just lookingበቀን እንዴት
  [beken endet]
• How much is it?በፍጥነት እንዴት?
  [befetnet endet?]
• That's too expensiveምንም እንዴት አልተደረገም
  [minim endet altederagem]
• Can you lower the price?በድጋሜ እንዴት እንዴት አልቀምርም?
  [bedagame endet endet alqemrem?]

• What time is it?ሰዓት እንዴት ነው?
  [s'at endet new?]
• It's one o'clockአንድ ሰዓት ነው
  [and s'at new]
• Half past (10)ሰዓት የሚሆነት (አስደሳች)
  [s'at yemihonat (asdesach)]
• Morningጥምቀት
  [timket]
• Afternoonቀን
  [ken]
• Eveningማታ
  [mata]
• Yesterdayትምህርት
  [timhirt]
• Todayዛሬ
  [zare]
• Tomorrowነገ
  [nage]
• 1አንድ
  [and]
• 2ሁለት
  [hulet]
• 3ሶስት
  [sost]
• 4አራት
  [arat]
• 5አምስት
  [amsost]
• 6ስድስት
  [sidost]
• 7ሰባት
  [sebat]
• 8ስምንት
  [semenost]
• 9ዘጠኝ
  [zetegn]
• 10አስር
  [aser]

• Where's a/the...?በተከበረ ቦታ ነው?
  [betekebere botanew?]
• What's the address?አስቀምጥ አድራሻ ነበር?
  [aseqmti adirasha neber?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?እንዴት ይሰልናል (በካርቦች)?
  [endet yiselanale (bekaraboch)?]
• When's the next (bus)?ቀጣይ የቀረበት ወቅታዊ ነው?
  [ketayi yekerebetewequtawi new?]
• A ticket (to ....)ትኬት (እስር ...)
  [teket (esre ...)]

Arba Minch, which translates to 'Forty Springs' in Amharic, was founded in the early 20th century. The name refers to the abundant natural springs that are found in the area, which continue to be a crucial water source for the town. The springs also contribute to the lush vegetation and fertile land surrounding the city.

During the Derg regime (1974-1991), Arba Minch was significantly impacted by government policies, including resettlement programs. The Derg implemented land redistribution and resettlement initiatives that brought people from drought-stricken areas to more fertile regions like Arba Minch. These programs led to demographic changes and had lasting effects on the social fabric of the town.

Arba Minch University was established in 1986, initially as the Arba Minch Water Technology Institute. It has since evolved into one of Ethiopia's prominent higher education institutions, offering a wide range of academic programs. The university has played a crucial role in the development of the town, contributing to its growth and modernization.

Arba Minch is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, including the Gamo, Gofa, and Wolayta people. Each group has its own unique cultural practices, languages, and traditions. The Gamo people, for instance, are known for their intricate weaving and pottery, while the Wolayta are famous for their vibrant music and dance forms. This cultural mosaic adds a rich layer to the town's social landscape.

Nechisar National Park, established in 1974, is located near Arba Minch and is one of Ethiopia's most important protected areas. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endemic Swayne's hartebeest and the giant Nile crocodile. The 'Bridge of Heaven,' a narrow strip of land that separates Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, is one of the park's most iconic features. The establishment of the park has also boosted eco-tourism in the region.

Arba Minch's market is a bustling hub of activity and a vital part of the town's economy. It is held twice a week and draws traders and buyers from surrounding areas. The market offers a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce and livestock to handmade crafts and textiles. It is also a social gathering spot where people exchange news and stories, preserving the town's communal spirit.

Arba Minch is located in southern Ethiopia, approximately 500 kilometers from Addis Ababa. The nearest airport is Arba Minch Airport (AMH), which has regular flights from Addis Ababa operated by Ethiopian Airlines. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or hire a private car. The journey by road from Addis Ababa typically takes around 8 to 10 hours and offers scenic views of the Ethiopian countryside.

Transportation within Arba Minch includes local minibuses, taxis, and bajaj (three-wheeler taxis). Minibuses are the most common form of public transport and are quite affordable. Taxis are also available and can be hired for a day or for specific trips. For a more personal experience, consider renting a car with a driver, which is a popular option for tourists who wish to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace.

The official currency in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller businesses and in rural areas. ATMs are available in Arba Minch, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Addis Ababa before traveling. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and in major hotels.

Arba Minch is generally a safe destination, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places. Some neighborhoods may have higher crime rates, so it's best to ask locals or your hotel staff for advice on which areas to avoid.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Arba Minch has medical facilities and a local police station. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Ensure you have a list of emergency contacts and the location of the nearest hospital.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering churches and mosques. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight bow of the head. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Arba Minch like a local, visit the bustling markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Ethiopian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the chance to explore the twin lakes, Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, and take a boat tour to see the famous crocodile market. For a unique experience, hike in the nearby Nechisar National Park, which offers stunning landscapes and wildlife sightings.