Departs 30 Oct
3 days Nature
Rift Valley Lakes
Rift Valley Lakes Escape
Three relaxed days among crater lakes and lakeside lodges, a short drive south of Addis Ababa.
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
- Tours here
- 1
- Tours from
- USD 640
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
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s capital: museums, markets and the birthplace of many a coffee ceremony.
Northern
Lalibela
Eleven medieval churches carved down into solid rock, and still in use today.
Northern
Gondar
The royal enclosure of Fasil Ghebbi, with castles built from the 17th century.
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.