Lake Hawassa
የሀዋሳ ሐይቅ
A rift-valley freshwater lake to the west of the city, with open water ringed by mountains, where small boats offer close views of hippos and a variety of waterbirds.
Lake Hawassa is the southernmost of the lakes in Ethiopia's Rift Valley, covering about 90 square kilometers. Its water is fresh and the lake is rich in tilapia and catfish. The city stretches along the eastern shore, with a lakeside promenade and resort hotels lining the water, and in the evening you can watch the sun set behind the mountains across the lake. The most popular activity on the lake is a 1–2 hour trip in a small wooden boat or motorboat. Boatmen take visitors to the southern shore or near the middle of the lake to see hippo pods, and you may also spot pelicans, cormorants, African fish eagles and kingfishers. Boats depart from near the fish market or from the jetties of the lakeside hotels. Fares must be agreed in advance, and you should ask for life jackets. Keep a safe distance from the hippos. There is a risk of bilharzia (schistosomiasis) in the lake, so swimming is not recommended.
Opening hours
Open all day (boat trips best in early morning or evening)
Nearby sights
- Amora Gedel Park
- Hawassa Fish Market
- Gudumale
- Mount Tabor
- Wondo Genet Hot Springs
- Shashamane Rastafari Community
- Sidama Coffee Farms
- Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park