Central
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s capital: museums, markets and the birthplace of many a coffee ceremony.
Central Ethiopia
Rift Valley Lakes
Crater lakes and lakeside lodges, a short drive south of Addis Ababa.
Overview
About Rift Valley Lakes
South of Addis Ababa the Rift Valley opens out into a chain of lakes: the crater lakes around Bishoftu, and larger lakes such as Ziway, Langano and Shala. Birdlife is rich and the pace is gentle.
It is an easy add-on at the beginning or end of a trip, or a relaxed short break in its own right.
- Region
- Central
- Best time
- October to March
Highlights
What makes it worth the journey
Highlights
- Bishoftu’s crater lakes
- Birdwatching at Lake Ziway
- Swimming at Lake Langano
- The deep crater of Lake Shala
Things to do
- Take a boat trip for birdwatching
- Walk around a crater lake
- Relax at a lakeside lodge
- Visit a local market
Plan your visit
Before you go
Best time to visit
October to March
Getting there
Bishoftu is under an hour’s drive from Addis Ababa; the other lakes are a few hours further south.
Getting around
By private vehicle; boats are available on some lakes.
Good to know
- Bilharzia can be present in some lakes; ask locally before swimming.
- Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.
Gallery
A look at Rift Valley Lakes
Photos: Unsplash
Keep exploring
More places to see
Central
Central
Bishoftu
Volcanic crater lakes an hour from Addis Ababa, and the Irreecha gathering at Lake Hora.
Central
Debre Libanos
A monastery founded in 1284 on a cliff terrace above a gorge that drains to the Blue Nile.
Let us plan your Rift Valley Lakes trip
Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.