Bishoftu Crater Lakes
ቢሾፍቱ
This group of crater lakes about 45 kilometers southeast of the capital is lined with resorts and offers boating and birdwatching on weekends, making it a favorite nearby getaway for city residents.
Around Bishoftu (formerly Debre Zeyit) are several crater lakes, including Lake Hora, Lake Bishoftu and Lake Kuriftu, with clear green water and abundant waterbirds. Lake Hora is the site of Irreecha, the Oromo thanksgiving festival, which draws large crowds in early October, many wearing traditional dress, who come to the lakeshore to offer grass and pray for blessings. Lakeside resorts offer dining, spa services and boating. The lakes are about an hour from the capital via the Addis Ababa-Adama Expressway.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Mount Zuqualla
- Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral
- Zoma Museum
- Fendika Cultural Center
- Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
- Meskel Square
- Africa Hall
- Addis Ababa Science Museum