Private Tour
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
It’s a great Outing from Addis to enjoy spotting various low land water birds ,a Boat trip to the Bird island for Bird watching more than 25 specious of Bird life and gelila island to see different families of Hippos ,experience the way of life of the Last races of the zai people ,visiting the Cherch of Maryam Tsion
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children can be Accompanied
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottle of water ,Snaks
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Bole Airport
Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Lake Ziway
Lake ziway is on of the fresh water Rift Valley Lakes in Ethiopia . In this Lake The church of Maryam Tsion which Once Housed The Ark of The Covenant to Hide it from invaders. The island is full of different specious of Bird life ,Hippos and Rich in Fishery production.
Lake Ziway
A quick walk past the tiny islands only house and up the forested slopes will take you to a monastery that often closed . Walk around it’s perimeter for good views of the lake .
Pickup included
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Peter P,
Oct 4, 2024
- Review from Viator
The trip to the lake was amazing. Driving through the savanna and farmland of the Rift Valley with the occasional acacia tree and mountains in the distance was the quintessential African scenery. The road is a modern divided highway - safe and quick. Lunch was delicious. A traditional coffee warmed us up as it was cooler. The lake is gorgeous. We saw SO many birds!!! Overall fabulous trip.
L7262GTmelaniep,
May 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had a great time on this Day Trip tour from Addis to Lake Ziway - my tour guide Bre was super kind, knowledgable and accommodating. We saw birds, hippos, local communities and incredible scenery. I would highly recommend this tour - even for solo travelers like myself. The driver was great, safe and on-time. The drive from Addis to the lake is about 2 hours, but the landscape along the way was incredible. It really made my time in Addis special.
81virginied,
Aug 13, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
If you like birds, you will enjoy this trip. We also saw hippos. Ziway is a very quiet and peaceful place. My host was very friendly, I had a great time this day. I recommend it if you have one day in Addis-Ababa. I booked 3 trips and can tell you the team is really nice, and you can trust them.

davidsky82,
Jul 4, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
I took the full day tour with Gawash to Lake Ziway. It was well organized and i have seen really a lot. Gawash took the old road to Ziway, which is longer,but one sees villages and local life. Lunch near the lake was also great. The boat ride on the lake was cool - seen few hippos and tons of birds (e.g. pelicans, marabu...). Just a note, that if you want to spot hippos and it's rainy or windy, your chances are pretty slim.


GraceEms,
Mar 14, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
I did a day trip from Addis with Habtamu, I had a great time. Habtamu was very friendly and accommodating. The lake itself does need to be protected as there was some pollution, particularly around the edges. However, the boat trip itself was amazing and we even saw hippos! This was on top of the bird life, which is very varied. I would definitely recommend this trip as a way to spend time away from the city!
Amanuel G,
Nov 18, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
I Enjoy my time with you guys,you really treat us well and i need to appreciate the way you make us feel at home and safe thank you
N1419YJmuhammadf,
Sep 11, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent service. A very friendly and patient host, Gushaw. He is thoroughly professional and a very nice gentleman. We really enjoyed the trip with him. I recommend this service to all. The lake was beautiful with a lot of different kind of migrating birds. We enjoyed the short stay at the island. Unfortunately hippos were not out on the day of our trip due to rain a day before.
Danladi S,
Aug 26, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
An unforgettable experience with an excellent tourist guide I will recommend this company to all my friends visiting Addis ababa


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