Nature journeys
An hour from Addis, volcanic craters filled with still water, and Lake Hora, where Oromo people gather each October for Irreecha.
Overview
Bishoftu, also called Debre Zeyit, grew up among the craters of old volcanoes, and several of them now hold lakes. From the rim of Lake Bishoftu, steep green walls drop straight to the water. At Lake Hora, steps lead down to Hora Arsadi, where Oromo people gather each October for Irreecha, the thanksgiving festival, and your guide explains what happens there.
The drive is about an hour, the walks are short, and the steeper shore paths are optional. An easy first day in Ethiopia, for families and for anyone shaking off a long flight with fresh air and open water.
Itinerary
You walk down to the shore at Lake Hora first, then look into the crater of Lake Bishoftu from its rim. At Bishoftu Guda, waterbirds feed in the cool of the morning. Lunch looks over Babogaya or Kuriftu before the hour’s drive home.
Itineraries can change with weather, road and flight conditions. We will tell you promptly if they do.
Gallery
Photo: Unsplash
Good to know
Dress code: Casual and comfortable. Cover your shoulders at the Irreecha site as a mark of respect.
This tour follows the Flexible policy. Days are whole calendar days before departure.
| When you cancel | What you get back |
|---|---|
| 14 or more days before departure | Full refund |
| 7 to 13 days before departure | 50% refund |
| Fewer than 7 days before departure | No refund |
Questions
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Plan with us
Choose your dates above, or tell us what you have in mind and we will shape the trip around you.
