Bishoftu, also known as Debre Zeit, is the easiest nature escape from Addis Ababa. The town sits southeast of the capital and is ringed by volcanic crater lakes with names such as Hora, Bishoftu, Babogaya and Kuriftu. The water fills ancient craters, the shores are lined with trees and lodges, and the lakes attract flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers and other birds. Locals come at weekends to walk, eat fish and relax, and the area has a number of resorts with restaurants overlooking the water. A day trip gives you a calm break from the traffic of Addis Ababa and suits anyone who likes gentle walking, photography and birdwatching. The tour we link is a day trip to Bishoftu from Addis Ababa that is rated well by travellers. Because it lies southeast of the capital, this is the day trip we recommend over the northern and western excursions.
Getting there
Bishoftu is roughly an hour from Addis Ababa by road in light traffic, longer at rush hour, and a tour with pickup and a driver removes the stress of the highway. The booking page sets out the pickup, the stops, the length and what is included, so read it before you book. Private tours and small groups are both common, and prices depend on group size.
What to do
Stroll the shores of one or two lakes, look for birds, take photographs from the crater rims and stop for a lunch of fish or a coffee at a lakeside restaurant. The lakes differ in character, from quiet and green to busier lodge-lined shores, so ask your guide which to visit. In early October, the Irreecha thanksgiving festival draws large crowds to Lake Hora, so avoid that weekend if you want quiet. Swimming is not always advisable, so ask locally.
Travel advice
The US State Department advisory for Ethiopia lists Do Not Travel areas that include North, West and Southwest Shewa, the area immediately north and west of Addis Ababa, and the Boset and Fentale woredas of East Shewa. Bishoftu lies southeast of the capital and is not among the areas named, but conditions can change, so check the advisory and ask your operator about the current situation before you go. Leave in the morning, return before dark and avoid night driving.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day trip by road with a driver or guide, lakeside walks and a restaurant lunch.
Best time
A clear morning outside the early October festival weekend.
How long
A full day including the drive, roughly an hour each way.
Tips
Read the booking page for pickup details, bring a hat and binoculars, return before dark and check the travel advisory first.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a calm, green break from the city without a long journey.
- Families
- Open space and birds suit children, but ask about the lakeside paths and swimming.
- Couples
- Lakeside lunches and quiet shores make a relaxed day.
- Pair with
- A food tour or cooking class the following day.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How far is Bishoftu from Addis Ababa?+
It is roughly an hour by road in light traffic, longer at rush hour. A tour with pickup removes the stress of driving.
Is this day trip affected by the travel advisory?+
The US State Department advisory lists Do Not Travel areas north and west of Addis Ababa, and the Boset and Fentale woredas of East Shewa. Bishoftu lies southeast and is not named, but check the latest advice.
What can I see at the lakes?+
The crater lakes have shoreline walks, birds such as pelicans and flamingos in season and lakeside restaurants. Each lake has a different character.
Can I swim in the lakes?+
Swimming is not always advisable, so ask your guide or the lodge about each lake. Check the situation locally before entering the water.
Why not Debre Libanos, Menagesha or Wenchi?+
Those popular trips lie north and west of Addis Ababa, in areas the US State Department advisory lists as Do Not Travel. Bishoftu lies outside those areas and is a well-served alternative.
