Central Ethiopia
Volcanic crater lakes an hour from Addis Ababa, and the Irreecha gathering at Lake Hora.
Overview
Bishoftu, also called Debre Zeyit, grew up among the craters of old volcanoes, and several of them now hold lakes: Hora, Bishoftu, Bishoftu Guda, Babogaya and Kuriftu. From the rims, steep green walls drop straight to the water.
Each October, Oromo people gather at Hora Arsadi on the shore of Lake Hora for Irreecha, the thanksgiving festival at the end of the rains. The rest of the year it is an easy first day in Ethiopia.
Highlights
Plan your visit
October to May; early October for Irreecha
About an hour from Addis Ababa on the Addis–Adama expressway.
By vehicle between the lakes, with short walks to the rims and shores.
Gallery
Photos: Unsplash
Journeys
Length 01 day
Bishoftu
An hour from Addis, volcanic craters filled with still water, and Lake Hora, where Oromo people gather each October for Irreecha.
Departs 01 Oct
Bishoftu
Crowds in white carry fresh grass and yellow daisies to the water, giving thanks for the end of the rains.
Keep exploring
Central
Ethiopia’s capital: museums, markets and the birthplace of many a coffee ceremony.
Central
Crater lakes and lakeside lodges, a short drive south of Addis Ababa.
Central
A monastery founded in 1284 on a cliff terrace above a gorge that drains to the Blue Nile.
Plan with us
Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.
