Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet worth booking?
Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet is a 9.5-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $100 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (12)
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- From
- $100 per person
You will Visit Lake Bishoftu: The town is situated on the shore of Lake Bishoftu, which is a popular spot for birdwatching and boating. You can take a boat ride on the lake or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere. Admire the Crater Lakes: There are several crater lakes in the area that offer stunning views and opportunities for hiking. Lake Hora is a popular destination that offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Explore the Cultural Center: The Bishoftu Cultural Center showcases the culture and traditions of the Oromo people. You can visit the museum and watch cultural performances, including music and dance. Relax at a Resort: Debre Zeit is known for its resorts, many of which offer day passes for access to their swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.
What you get
About this experience
You will Visit Lake Bishoftu: The town is situated on the shore of Lake Bishoftu, which is a popular spot for birdwatching and boating. You can take a boat ride on the lake or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere. Admire the Crater Lakes: There are several crater lakes in the area that offer stunning views and opportunities for hiking. Lake Hora is a popular destination that offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Explore the Cultural Center: The Bishoftu Cultural Center showcases the culture and traditions of the Oromo people. You can visit the museum and watch cultural performances, including music and dance. Relax at a Resort: Debre Zeit is known for its resorts, many of which offer day passes for access to their swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Blue Badge Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tea and coffee
- Entrance fee
- Goverment taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Bishoftu
Debre Zeit (also known as Bishoftu) is a town located about 47 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, making it a popular day trip destination from the capital city. Here's what you can do on a day trip to Debre Zeit: Visit Lake Bishoftu: The town is situated on the shore of Lake Bishoftu, which is a popular spot for birdwatching and boating. You can take a boat ride on the lake or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere. Admire the Crater Lakes: There are several crater lakes in the area that offer stunning views and opportunities for hiking. Lake Hora is a popular destination that offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Explore the Cultural Center: The Bishoftu Cultural Center showcases the culture and traditions of the Oromo people. Relax at a Resort: Debre Zeit is known for its resorts, many of which offer day passes for access to their swimming pools, spas, and restaurants. You can spend a relaxing day at one of these resorts and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
480 minutes here
Kuriftu Ethiopian Cultural Village
Located on the northen tip of Bishoftu encompassing the smallest of the four lakes lies our flagship resort, Kuriftu Resort & Spa Bishoftu. Born from Mr. Tadiwos's vision to create luxury resort destinations in neighboring cities of the capital, this resort made its mark in 2007 as the first 5-star resort in the country. With just 14 rooms and a lakefront restaurant at the time, Mr. Tadiwos made his offical debut by setting the standard for luxury and exquisite service, attracting guests from around the world to this unique establishment.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Addis Ababa
Edna mall is 1km from bole international airport. and it is in front of St.medhanialem church.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Edna mall is 1km from bole international airport. and it is in front of St.medhanialem church.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Danakil Depression Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Organization
6 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A lovely day away from Addis
After spending some busy days in Addis, we decided to take a day trip to Debre Zeit (Bishoftu) just to get out of the city for a while. Looking back, it was exactly what we needed. The drive was really enjoyable. We liked watching Addis slowly disappear behind us and seeing the countryside and small villages along the way. It was one of those drives where we kept looking out the window and saying, “Look at that!” 😄 When we arrived in Debre Zeit, the whole atmosphere felt different. It was quieter and more relaxed, and we immediately felt like we could slow down a bit. We spent most of the day around the lakes, walking, taking photos and just enjoying the views. We weren't trying to see absolutely everything. We actually liked having time to sit down, have something to eat and watch the local people enjoying their day. One thing that really stayed with us was seeing families and friends spending time together around the lakes. It felt very natural and gave us a little glimpse into everyday life in Ethiopia that you don't always get when you're visiting the main tourist sights. We also had a few funny little moments during the day that we probably won't remember exactly what happened, but we'll definitely remember how much we laughed. Those are often the best travel memories. After several busy days, we really appreciated having a slower day. There wasn't any pressure to hurry from one place to another. We could just enjoy being somewhere beautiful and take the day as it came. By the time we headed back to Addis, we were tired but very happy we had gone. It wasn't a complicated day or a huge adventure, but it was one of those simple travel days that ends up being surprisingly special. We're really glad we added Debre Zeit to our Ethiopia trip. If you're staying in Addis for a few days and want to escape the city for a while, we'd definitely say it's worth making the trip. For us, it was a beautiful, relaxed day and a lovely memory from our time in Ethiopia. ❤️
via Tripadvisor
A Refreshing Escape From Addis to Ethiopia’s Lakeside Countryside Review Description
I booked the Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Debre Ziet with Danakil Depression Tours, and it was a wonderful way to get away from the busy pace of the capital for a day. The drive itself was enjoyable, with beautiful countryside views along the way and a noticeable change in scenery as I approached Debre Ziet, also known as Bishoftu. I particularly enjoyed spending time around the area's beautiful crater lakes, where the peaceful surroundings made a nice contrast to the energy of Addis Ababa. One of my favorite parts of the trip was simply having time to slow down, enjoy the landscape, and take photographs. The guide was friendly and informative, sharing interesting details about the area and making the day easy to navigate. I also appreciated the relaxed pace, which allowed me to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. Danakil Depression Tours organized the experience smoothly from beginning to end. For me, this was a simple but memorable day trip that combined beautiful lakes, countryside scenery, and a welcome break from the city.
via Tripadvisor
Relaxing and Enjoyable Day Trip to Debre Zeit
We had a wonderful day trip to Debre Zeit (Bishoftu) with Danakil Depression Tours, and it was a great way to get out of Addis Ababa for a day. Everything was well organized from the beginning, and the communication with Mickey was excellent. He was quick to respond to our questions and made sure everything was arranged properly. The drive from Addis to Debre Zeit was comfortable, and we really enjoyed seeing the countryside along the way. Once we arrived, the atmosphere was completely different from the busy city. The lakes, green landscapes, and peaceful surroundings made it a very relaxing day. We spent time exploring the area around the beautiful crater lakes, enjoying the scenery and taking photos. It was nice to have enough time to slow down, enjoy the views, and experience a different side of Ethiopia without having to travel too far from Addis. Our guide was friendly and helpful throughout the day and made sure we understood what we were seeing. The trip was not rushed, and we had plenty of time to enjoy the places we visited. Thank you to Mickey and Danakil Depression Tours for organizing such an enjoyable day. If you are staying in Addis and want an easy day trip with beautiful scenery, lakes, and a more peaceful atmosphere, I would definitely recommend spending a day in Debre Zeit.
via Tripadvisor
A Relaxing Family Day Out Just Outside Addis Ababa
We booked the Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Debre Ziet with Danakil Depression Tours, and it turned out to be a wonderful break from the busy city. Traveling with the family, we really enjoyed the change of scenery as we headed toward the lakes and green landscapes around Debre Ziet. The day felt relaxed rather than rushed, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the views, take photos, and spend quality time together. Our guide was helpful and easy to talk to, especially when we had questions about the area and local life. The children particularly enjoyed being outdoors and seeing a different side of Ethiopia beyond Addis Ababa. Danakil Depression Tours handled the arrangements smoothly, making the whole trip comfortable and stress-free. It was a simple day trip, but one that gave our family some great memories.
via Tripadvisor
We had a really nice day trip to Debre Ziet
The trip was very relaxing and enjoyable. The lakes were beautiful and it was a nice break from the city. Everything was well organized and smooth.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to know you had a smooth and enjoyable group tour to Ethiopia with Danakil Depression Tours. Your kind words about Mr. Yonas care and support, especially considering your knee condition, truly mean a lot to us. We’re also happy to hear that guides yonas and tedy made your experience memorable with their knowledge and friendly approach. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you on another great journey soon. Warm regards, Team Danakil Depression Tours
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Danakil Depression Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.3.
See everything Danakil Depression Tours runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.
How much does Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet cost?
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Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Addis Ababa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet take?
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Plan for about 9.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Addis Ababa is not rushed.
Is Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Addis Ababa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Addis Ababa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Addis Ababa and add a light layer if any part of the 9.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Addis Ababa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Addis Ababa?
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On Outty we rank every Addis Ababa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour, Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up, Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Addis Ababa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet?
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Included: Lunch; Bottled water; Blue Badge Guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 351 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Addis Ababa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Ziet?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include organization, the guide, photo opportunities. Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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