Forty Springs: Arba Minch's Groundwater Forest

Forty Springs — Arba Minch in Amharic — lies in a groundwater forest inside Nech Sar National Park, roughly 3 km from the main park gate and 500 km south of Addis Ababa. The springs themselves are modest: small upwellings in shaded forest rather than geysers or waterfalls. The surrounding woods are the real draw, with colobus monkeys in the canopy, bush pigs rooting through the undergrowth, and a spring-fed pool where local families swim on hot afternoons.

That gap between the name and the reality trips up a lot of visitors. People arrive expecting a dramatic natural monument and find a quiet, slightly scruffy forest with a municipal water pump station in the middle of it. If you adjust expectations, Forty Springs becomes a pleasant half-day walk, a cool escape from the Rift Valley heat, and a decent spot to see wildlife without leaving town.

What to See and Do at Forty Springs

The groundwater forest and its wildlife

The forest is dense and humid, a sharp contrast to the dry savanna that starts just beyond the park boundary. The trees are tall enough to create real shade, and the walking is flat and easy — a 2–3 km loop that most people manage without difficulty, including older visitors and children. Black-and-white colobus monkeys are common in the upper branches, and you will likely hear them before you see them. Bush pigs, warthogs, and a variety of birds move through the understory.

The springs themselves emerge in several small pools and channels. There is nothing theatrical about them. A few spots have been cleared for access; others sit behind concrete infrastructure related to the town's water supply. This is worth knowing in advance: the site is a working water source for Arba Minch, not a pristine reserve, and guards will stop you from climbing into the fenced pumping area.

Swimming in the spring-fed pool

One of the springs feeds a natural pool that has become the unofficial centerpiece of a visit. Local kids swim there, and foreign visitors often join in. The water is cool and clear at the source, though it gets murkier where many people bathe. There is no lifeguard and no marked depth. Use your own judgment, keep an eye on children, and skip swimming if the water level is high after rain. Bring swimwear — there is nowhere to change conveniently, and a towel is useful.

Combining the springs with Nechisar

Forty Springs sits within the buffer zone of Nech Sar National Park, and most visitors treat it as one stop on a larger circuit. The crocodile market on Lake Chamo and the Nechisar plains are within easy driving distance. A typical day might run: morning boat trip to see crocodiles and hippos, lunch in Arba Minch, early afternoon walk to the springs, and a late-afternoon drive onto the plains. Allow two to three hours for the springs themselves, including the walk in and out.

How to Get There and What It Costs

Access and location

The main park entrance is reached via the paved road up to Shecha, the upper part of Arba Minch. From there, a rough track runs about 3 km to the springs. You can walk it, which takes around 40 minutes at a relaxed pace, or drive. Most visitors come by hired car or as part of an organized tour. Arba Minch Airport (AMH) is about 15 minutes from the town center, with daily flights from Addis Ababa.

Fees, guides, and the payment system

This is where planning matters. Park entrance fees are paid separately from guide and scout fees, and several people may ask for money during a single visit. As of recent reports, park admission runs around 100–200 birr per person for foreign visitors, with additional charges for vehicles. Guides and armed scouts are required by park regulations and are paid separately — budget another 150–550 birr depending on the length of your visit. Some visitors report being asked for tips by multiple people at the springs, which can feel wearing. Bring small notes and clarify what each payment covers before handing over cash.

Fees change and are often quoted in inconsistent sources. Treat any figure here as a planning estimate and confirm current rates at the Nech Sar park office in Arba Minch before you set out.

Opening hours and best time to go

The park is generally open daily from around 7:00 to 18:00, with some sources listing 6:30–17:30. Sunday hours can be limited or closed depending on the season. The dry months from October through February are the most reliable: trails are firm and wildlife is easier to spot. March to May brings short rains, and June to September the long rains, which can make the track muddy and the forest humid. Early morning is best for birdlife and cooler walking. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter than weekends, when local families come to swim.

Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls

What to bring and wear

Sturdy sandals or light hiking shoes are enough. The ground is uneven in places but not steep. Bring water, insect repellent, and a hat. The forest is shady but the walk in from the road is exposed. Binoculars are worth the weight if you are interested in birds. A waterproof bag for your phone is useful during the rainy season.

Managing expectations and money

The springs are not spectacular in the way that, say, a waterfall is spectacular. Lonely Planet's French edition calls the site visually unremarkable unless you have already paid park fees — a fair assessment. The value comes from the walk, the forest, and the wildlife, not from the springs as a standalone sight. Some travelers find the constant requests for tips annoying. Knowing the structure in advance helps: entrance fee, guide fee, scout fee, and optional tips are separate. Keep a small reserve of birr in low denominations.

Accessibility and health

This is not a wheelchair-friendly site. The path is dirt, rutted in places, and the pool area has no paved access. Tour operators generally state no wheelchair access and not suitable for strollers. Pregnant travelers and people with poor cardiovascular health should be cautious about swimming in the pool and about the heat on the walk in. Malaria is a concern in this region — take prophylaxis and use repellent, especially in the forest where mosquitoes are active.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to visit Forty Springs?

Most visitors spend two to three hours at the springs, including the walk in from the park gate. The loop itself is short, around 2–3 km on flat ground. If you combine it with a boat trip on Lake Chamo and a drive on the Nechisar plains, plan a full day.

Is there a natural pool to swim in at Forty Springs?

Yes, one of the springs feeds a natural pool that local people and visitors use. There is no lifeguard, no marked depth, and no changing facilities. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.

Do I need a guide to visit Forty Springs?

Park regulations require a local guide and an armed scout, hired from the Nech Sar park office in Arba Minch. Fees are separate from the entrance charge and typically range from 150 to 550 birr depending on the length of the visit. Confirm current rates at the office before you go.

What is the entrance fee for Nech Sar National Park and Forty Springs?

Recent reports put park admission at around 100–200 birr per person for foreign visitors, with additional vehicle charges. Guide and scout fees are paid separately. Fees are subject to change — check the official park office in Arba Minch for current rates.

What is the best time of year to visit Forty Springs?

The dry season from October through February offers the firmest trails and the best wildlife viewing. March to May and June to September bring rain, which can make the access track muddy. Early morning is the best time of day for birdlife and cooler temperatures.

Is Forty Springs worth visiting?

It depends on what you want. The springs are modest and the site has a working water-supply facility, so it is not a scenic highlight on its own. But the forest walk, the colobus monkeys, and the spring-fed pool make it a pleasant half-day, especially combined with Lake Chamo and the Nechisar plains. Travelers who have already paid park fees for other activities get the best value from adding it on.