Lake Langano
ላንጋኖ ሐይቅ
A rift valley lake with reddish-brown water, free of bilharzia and safe for swimming, with eco-lodges on its shore, ideal for birdwatching and relaxing.
Lake Langano lies on the eastern side of Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park, covers about 230 square km, and has reddish-brown water thanks to abundant volcanic minerals. Unlike most lakes in Ethiopia, it is believed to be free of bilharzia, making it one of the few lakes where swimming is possible. It is therefore a holiday destination for residents of Addis Ababa, with several resorts and eco-lodges along the shore. Around Bishangari Eco-Lodge on the southeastern shore, the forest is lush, and visitors can go birdwatching, spot colobus monkeys and baboons, or ride horses and paddle canoes. The lake is about 1.5 hours' drive from Hawassa, and is often combined with the national park for a day trip or an overnight stay. Facilities at the lakeside resorts vary widely, so book ahead for weekends and public holidays.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park
- Shashamane Rastafari Community
- Wondo Genet Hot Springs
- Gudumale
- Amora Gedel Park
- Hawassa Fish Market
- Mount Tabor
- Lake Hawassa