Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu

Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu: A Balanced Look at Ethiopia’s Lakes and Scenic Views

Traveling from the hustle and bustle of Addis Ababa to the tranquil lake shores of Bishoftu offers a refreshing escape. This day trip, priced at around $56, provides a good mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and comfortable transportation.

While some travelers praise the trip’s beautiful landscapes and friendly guides, others note occasional hiccups with language barriers and itinerary understanding. Still, if you love lakes, bird-watching, and scenic boat rides, this tour could be a solid option for a day out of the city.

Three Things We Like About This Experience
First, the convenience of round-trip transportation makes exploring Bishoftu stress-free. Second, the small-group setting ensures a more personalized experience, often with knowledgeable guides. Third, the inclusion of lunch and water adds value, making the day feel well-organized and thoughtful.

A possible drawback is the lack of a reliable local guide for Lake Hora, where theft concerns mean you should stay vigilant. Also, some guests have faced communication issues with guides and drivers, which could impact your experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want an easy, structured way to see Bishoftu’s lakes and enjoy some leisurely moments without the hassle of self-organizing. It’s ideal for those craving scenic views, birdwatching, and relaxing boat trips, especially if you value comfort and small-group intimacy.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: An air-conditioned vehicle ensures a pleasant ride.
• All-inclusive: Lunch, bottled water, and coffee are covered, adding to the tour’s value.
• Scenic lakes: Visit notable lakes like Lake Hora and Lake Babogaya for birdwatching and relaxing vistas.
• Boat trip: Enjoy a circular lake at Lake Babogaya with an included boat ride.
• Small group size: With a max of 12 travelers, you get personal attention from guides.
• Flexible schedule: About 9 hours from start to finish, making it a manageable day trip.
• Caution on local guides: No reliable guides recommended for Lake Hora, so stay alert.
• Mixed reviews: While many praise the landscapes and guides, some report language and itinerary issues.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Meeting and Transportation

The tour begins promptly at 9:00 am, with pickup from your location in Addis Ababa. The use of an air-conditioned vehicle makes the journey comfortable, especially on warm days. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’re likely to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, compared to larger group tours.

Lake Bishoftu (Crater Lake)

The first stop at Bishoftu Lake offers breathtaking views from the crater rim of one of Ethiopia’s deepest lakes. Visitors often enjoy a drink in hand at one of the lakeside hotels, taking in the panoramic scenery. The local lore about a sleeping devil adds a touch of mystique, which you might find amusing or intriguing.

However, be aware that admission is free here, and the main value comes from the view itself. Many guests mention that the scenery is better appreciated from the hotels at the rim than from the lake shore itself, so plan to spend some time just soaking it in.

Lake Hora – The Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Next, the tour visits Lake Hora, north of the town. This is the wildest of Bishoftu’s lakes, with lush vegetated slopes teeming with birdlife. It’s a favorite for those interested in birdwatching or nature photography, thanks to the variety of waterbirds and the scenic environment.

One thing to note, based on reviews, is that theft is a real concern here. Tourists are advised not to go alone and to stay vigilant. Interestingly, there’s no reliable local guide for this area, so your experience depends heavily on your own awareness and caution.

Guests often comment that the natural beauty exceeds expectations, with Tatiana_C describing it as “an incredible landscape” that was “more than I expected.” It’s a spot where quiet contemplation and birdwatching can be quite rewarding.

Lake Babogaya and the Viewpoint Lodge Resort

The final stop is at Lake Babogaya, known for its upscale resorts and scenic backdrop of Mt Yerer. This circular lake offers a peaceful setting for a boat ride, which is included in the tour. Many travelers find the boat trip a highlight, offering a different perspective of the lake’s volcanic surroundings.

The Viewpoint Lodge Resort provides a comfortable spot to relax, enjoy some coffee or tea, and take in the views. The scenery of the volcanic mountains paired with the calm waters of the lake makes for a memorable last stop.

Additional Considerations and Practical Tips

While the tour is well-structured and includes lunch, some guests like Lucas_A have experienced issues such as the driver not speaking English or getting lost. Communication can be problematic, so it’s good to be patient and prepared for some surprises.

The tour’s price includes the essentials — transportation, boat ride, lunch, and water — making it a decent value for those wanting a guided day out without the hassle of organizing each element themselves.

What the Reviews Tell Us

The tour receives a 3.8 out of 5 from reviews, with some travelers loving the landscape and guides, and others disappointed by logistical issues. Tatiana_C praised the “friendly and funny” guides, suggesting that genuine hospitality makes a difference. Conversely, Lucas_A’s experience highlights the importance of clear communication and reliable guides, especially when exploring areas without official guides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who love nature, lakes, and scenic views and want a hassle-free experience, especially if they prefer small groups. It’s a good choice for those who appreciate birdwatching or want to enjoy Lake Babogaya’s boat ride and resorts.

However, if you’re highly particular about guides or want deep historical insights, you might find the experience a bit limited. Also, travelers who are wary of trust issues at Lake Hora should consider whether they’re comfortable exploring independently or with a local guide.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price, this day trip offers quite a bit of value — scenic lakes, boat rides, and lunch included, all within a manageable 9-hour window. The small-group format makes it more intimate, and the scenic views are genuinely stunning.

That said, some logistical quirks and communication issues could affect your overall enjoyment. If you’re flexible, patient, and eager to see Ethiopia’s beautiful lakes without the stress of planning, this tour can be a memorable, photo-worthy adventure.

For travelers wanting a relaxed way to experience Bishoftu’s natural charm, this trip checks most boxes — especially if you’re keen on birdwatching or simply soaking in beautiful views with minimal fuss.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, lunch, and a boat trip on Lake Babogaya.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

Are guides provided at each lake?
Guides are provided for the overall tour, but there’s no reliable local guide recommended specifically for Lake Hora, so your experience there depends on your own awareness.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the small group size makes it suitable for solo travelers who want a guided day trip.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, sun protection, camera, and some cash for souvenirs or tips.

Is there a recommended time to visit Lake Hora?
The tour doesn’t specify a particular time, but visiting during daylight hours ensures good birdwatching and scenery.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less than 24 hours’ notice means no refund.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

How accessible are the lakes?
The lakes are accessible by vehicle and footpaths, but independence is limited by safety concerns at Lake Hora.

To sum it up, this day trip from Addis Ababa offers a well-rounded look at Bishoftu’s lakes and landscapes. It’s particularly recommended for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and those seeking a leisurely escape with all logistics handled. While it might not satisfy those craving deep historical insights or expert guiding, the stunning views and relaxing boat rides make it a worthwhile investment for a memorable day out.