Private Tour
Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Crater Lakes at Bishoftu
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Take a relaxing escape from Addis Ababa and discover the stunning volcanic crater lakes of Bishoftu with Addis Authentic Tours. This day trip offers a perfect blend of nature and culture, giving you the opportunity to learn about Oromo traditions while enjoying breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy bird watching, taste local beverageS and take a peaceful boat trip on a volcanic lake. An ideal getaway for travelers seeking tranquility, culture, and natural beauty just outside the capital.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Bishoftu
Located 65km far from Addis Ababa (1h30 driving),Bishoftu means sweetness in Oromo language and used to be known as Debre Zeit "Mount of Olives". Bishoftu can be reached in an hour drive from Addis and is a popular place for tourists and locals to relax and enjoying fresh air and natural landscapes. Bishoftu is the home of resorts and of five crater lakes (Bishoftu, Hora, Babogaya, Kuriftu and Chelekleka) as well as the gateway of Ethiopian great Rift Valley. The tour will start by visiting Bishofu Lake which is the second deepest lake in Ethiopia (90 meters deep) and traditional ethiopian habitations(Tukul) to learn how to make the homemade alcohol drink (Areki). After enjoying traditional coffee ceremony, the tour will continue with a walk around Babogaya Lake. This is a chance to see plenty different bird species.
Kuriftu Water Park
Kuriftu Resort is located by Kuriftu Lake and offers different activities such as kayak, water park, sauna, etc. During lunch time, the tour will continue at Kuriftu Resort to taste delicious ethiopian food and have kayak tour on Kuriftu Lake.
What‘s Included
Driver Allowance
Areki Process and Taste
Guide services
Bottled water
Traditional Coffee Ceremony
Boat
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Everything not listed in Inclusions
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Crater Lakes at Bishoftu
Pickup included
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Pleasant and safe authentic ethiopian experience
giulys2026,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took this tour today and I have to say it was truly wonderful, allowing me to experience nature and enchanting landscapes. I was a little hesitant about taking the tour, as I was alone in Addis Ababa for work. However, Alex and Atsede took great care of me and made my experience safe, pleasant, and authentic. Ameseghenallo!
Great scenery, even better tour guides!
Mobile795744,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crater lakes were beautiful and the birds were stunning but what made this day extra special was the wonderful company of Alex and Atsede. Learning about the history and culture of Ethiopia was worth the money itself. Truly memorable!
A day out of the city: fresh air, flamingos and easy company
Adventure637884,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting for work, I wanted an easy Sunday trip that left me some downtime. It was nice as a solo woman to sit up front with female driver Atsede and her great playlist, while guide Alex pointed out everything of interest as we left the city and headed out through the countryside for about 50 minutes. We stopped at several lakes to spot flamingos, giant marabou storks, egrets, ibis and kingfishers, armed with Alex's binoculars and bird book. For lunch, we visited a charming garden cafe for delicious (and inexpensive US$5) fried fish, great coffee and conversation. Beware the hot sauce and be ready for a shot of areki - letenachin (cheers)! Recommended if you're looking for a change of pace after a hectic city tour, with security and good company. Would also suit visitors who find an Addis tour a mobility challenge, and keen birders/photographers.
Perfect! I would have done it every weekend.
karenaJ2918ZG,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A real moment of relaxation... The lakes are beautiful. It was very good to get out of the noise of Addis Ababa. I was able to recharge my batteries in contact with nature. I had a private tour, so Mulugeta was flexible and forceful to adapt my circuit to my desires. Nothing to say: I arrived in Addis Ababa alone and I leave with a new friend, Mulugeta, and many beautiful memories in mind.
The beauty of the Crater lakes tour
Trek795069,Sep 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would first like to give a special thank you to my tour guide host Alex, you are fantastic and now I consider you a good friend. Alex gives you all the history and he informs you on everything you need to know in exquisite fashion he is well spoken and easy to understand. This tour will make you fall in love with the beauty of Ethiopia. We drank local tequila had local food we met indigenous people we saw the beauty of the lakes this tour is well worth the money. I look forward to coming back and doing more tours with this Company thank you Alex your Jamaican friend living in Canada
Great tour to see some nature and culture of Ethiopia
Dobby L,Oct 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I made a last-minute reservation for a family trip, but they treated me so kindly and I was able to contact them via WhatsApp so I didn't have to worry. Guide Alex was a very sensible and devoted guide to his work! I was really grateful that they adjusted the tour time and content to fit my tight schedule and arrived at my accommodation accordingly :) If you're visiting Addis Ababa, I recommend taking a tour at least once!
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Operated by Addis Authentic Tours