Lake Bishoftu

Eastern Ethiopia


The best way to appreciate this scenic body of water is from the crater rim at one of the hotels, drink in hand. The view is sensational. According to local lore, this, the second-deepest lake in Ethiopia, is home to a sleeping devil. From time to time his evil gases kill the fish and send them bobbing to the surface to be scooped up by delighted waterbirds.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Eastern Ethiopia attractions

1. Lake Hora

1.59 MILES

Lying just north of the town centre, Lake Hora is the wildest of Bishoftu's lakes and features some outstanding birdlife along its lushly vegetated slopes…

2. Lake Chelekleka

1.65 MILES

Shallow Lake Chelekleka, 2km west of the main roundabout, is a birdwatcher favourite, and lesser flamingos as well as pelicans and various species of…

3. Lake Kuriftu

2.83 MILES

The tiniest of the lakes dotted around town, pretty Lake Kuriftu is notable for the sprawling Kuriftu Resort and Spa that hugs the north shore.

4. Lake Babogaya

3.21 MILES

Lake Babogaya (formerly named Bishoftu Guda) is the site of most of Bishoftu's high-end resorts. With its beautiful backdrop of volcanic Mt Yerer, this…

6. Addis Ababa Museum

23.79 MILES

Despite only being founded on Addis' centenary in 1986, the Addis Ababa Museum is the city’s scruffiest museum. That said, perusing candid portraits of…

7. 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum

23.84 MILES

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8. Africa Hall

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