Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation

Outty Ranking 56 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $129
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Outty Ranking

56/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation worth booking?

Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation is a 6-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $129 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
56 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
6 hours
From
$129 per person

When you travel with us you will not only be traveling, you are also traveling with the deep & wide lifestyles and culture of the Ethiopian people and nations.We have extensive knowledge about Ethiopia's culture, nature, and people. We are the best way to travel to Ethiopia.

What you get

    About this experience

    When you travel with us you will not only be traveling, you are also traveling with the deep & wide lifestyles and culture of the Ethiopian people and nations.We have extensive knowledge about Ethiopia's culture, nature, and people. We are the best way to travel to Ethiopia.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • 45 minute massage

    What you'll see and do

    1. Bishoftu

      50 km from Addis Ababa is a town called Bishoftu in the Oromo language. It has several crater lakes and is a popular place for people from Addis Ababa to go on the weekends. You can spend the day at the lakes or do some light hiking (it takes half an hour to go around Lake Hora). A lot of people go to this spot to watch birds. There are a number of places where you can have lunch through the lake and spa.When you get to Debre Zeyt, you will see two of its five crater lakes. These are great places to take pictures, watch birds, or go on short walks. You can stop by a local coffee shop for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony on your way to or from the crater lakes.

      240 minutes here

    2. Kuriftu Ethiopian Cultural Village

      Following your time spent visiting the crater lakes, you will be taken to a nearby resort for lunch that serves surprisingly authentic Ethiopian and European meals. You will be taken to a crater-by resort after lunch. This resort is known for being a true mirror of Ethiopia in every way, from the way its facilities are set up to how it treats its customers. * In this place, you can do things in the water and you have 45 minute massage

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Kuriftu Ethiopian Cultural Village

      You will have kayaking at the lake Kuriftu

      25 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Addis Ababa

    Our guide will have the sign of your name and wait you at the hotel lobby or out side of the airport at the parking line

    Meeting point

    Addis Ababa

    Our guide will have the sign of your name and wait you at the hotel lobby or out side of the airport at the parking line

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Our guide will have the sign of your name and wait you at the hotel lobby or out side of the airport at the parking line

    Ends at

    Our guide will have the sign of your name and wait you at the hotel lobby or out side of the airport at the parking line

    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 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Liyu Ethiopia Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation in Addis Ababa, photo 2Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation in Addis Ababa, photo 3Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation in Addis Ababa, photo 4

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    aguimiezanw · July 2026

    Two Ivorians at Bishoftu

    My partner and I had an absolutely amazing day exploring the beautiful Bishoftu Lakes. The scenery was breathtaking, the itinerary was perfectly organized, and every moment was enjoyable. A very special thank you to Liyu, our interpreter and guide, who truly made this experience unforgettable. She is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, friendly, and attentive. Her fascinating stories and insights into Ethiopian history, culture, and traditions brought every place we visited to life. Thanks to her, we came home not only with wonderful memories but also with so many great stories to tell. A huge thank you as well to Abrham, the photographer, who did an outstanding job throughout the day. He captured beautiful, natural moments and took stunning couple photos that my partner and I will treasure forever. His professionalism, creativity, and eye for detail made every picture look amazing, giving us lasting memories of this special trip. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Ethiopia. If you're lucky enough to have Liyu as your guide and Abrham as your photographer, you're guaranteed an exceptional experience. Thank you both for making our day so memorable!

    Response from the operator: Dear Williams, Thank you so much for your heartfelt review and for sharing your wonderful experience with us. We're truly delighted to hear that you and your partner had such an amazing day exploring the beautiful Bishoftu Lakes. Knowing that you enjoyed the breathtaking scenery and found the itinerary well organized means so much to us, as we put a great deal of care into creating the experiences. We wish you all the best!! Best Regards Abel Liyu Ethiopia Tour

    via Tripadvisor

    saehr · March 2024

    Awesome Day at Bishoftu

    We had the best time with Yihun and our driver! They adapted to our wishes and showed us the beautiful nature around Bishoftu. The kayaking was awesome, the food delicious and Yihun was just the best guide we could have wished for. We already booked a second tour and will definitely recommend it to everyone who wants to travel Addis and Ethiopia!

    Response from the operator: Dear Traveler Thank you for reviewing. We have always felt that meeting our customers' expectations is our first goal, and if we can deliver customer service similar to what you have experienced and expressed, we are on the right route. Thank you again for your time! We look forward to the chance to welcome you on your future trip to Ethiopia, and we thank you again for your excellent feedback!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 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
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Liyu Ethiopia Tours, who run 19 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.3.

    See everything Liyu Ethiopia Tours runs

    Why this scores 56

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)20
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)33
    Listing quality (10% weight)64
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.

    How much does Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation cost?

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    Prices start at $129 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 to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation take?

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    Plan for about 6 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 to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation?

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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 to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation?

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    Around 1 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation 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 to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation?

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    Included: Private transportation; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and 45 minute massage. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 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 to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation 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 to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation?

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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 to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and 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 to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Day Trip to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – Lakes, Nature & Relaxation.

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