Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu

Outty Ranking 59 4.4 · 15 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $120
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu worth booking?

Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu is a 7-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $120 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (15)
Duration
7 hours
From
$120 per person

Travelers Can Enjoyed a Breath taking Crater Lakes of Bishoftu as well as epic Landscape of Crater Lakes with in Bishoftu a Boat trip and Hiking to lake Hora as well as Bird watching

What you get

    About this experience

    Travelers Can Enjoyed a Breath taking Crater Lakes of Bishoftu as well as epic Landscape of Crater Lakes with in Bishoftu a Boat trip and Hiking to lake Hora as well as Bird watching

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • English speaking Guide
    • Lunch
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Tea and coffee

    Not included

    • All not Mentioned on The Inclusion

    What you'll see and do

    1. The best way to appreciate this scenic body of water is from the crater rim at one of the hotels, drink in hand. The view is sensational. According to local lore, this, the second-deepest lake in Ethiopia, is home to a sleeping devil. From time to time his evil gases kill the fish and send them bobbing to the surface to be scooped up by delighted waterbirds.

      100 minutes here

    2. Lying just north of the town centre, Lake Hora is the wildest of Bishoftu's lakes and features some outstanding birdlife along its lushly vegetated slopes. There's a footpath around the lake, but never go alone as theft is a real concern. Sadly there's no reliable local guide that can be recommended in the area.

      90 minutes here

    3. Lake Babogaya (formerly named Bishoftu Guda) is the site of most of Bishoftu's high-end resorts. With its beautiful backdrop of volcanic Mt Yerer, this circular lake is scenic to boot. There will be a boat trip on this Lake

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    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
    Ethio Travel And Tours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu in Addis Ababa, photo 2Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu in Addis Ababa, photo 3Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu in Addis Ababa, photo 4Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu in Addis Ababa, photo 5Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu in Addis Ababa, photo 6Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu in Addis Ababa, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    15 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    11
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    SANA_A · September 2025

    A disastrous tour agency

    This was a disastrous day tour not because of the guide or the driver but of the road construction and being able to acces to one of the lakes also because of this. Also the fishing boat that was designed for the road was terrible and unsafe with its situation. Add to this the place I was supposed to have lunch in it had a local festival and none accessible to see the lake . All in all it was very tiresome day and I asked the guide to return me to the hotel as it was horrible with the road constructions. Something strange happened is that the tour company boss told the guide to get me to his office before the excursion start but I refused as I told the guide either you star the tour or take me back to my hotel.

    via Viator

    IreneoL2 · June 2025

    Great experience

    Great guided tour Biruk and driver Geta. Good people. We enjoyed our lake tours and local coffee and boating at the lake.

    via Tripadvisor

    Y1185TXluket · July 2024

    Lovely day at the lakes

    Had a lovely day with Eyob. He is great company and did everything to make sure we enjoyed ourselves. The lakes were gorgeous too. Strongly recommend to get a break from the city

    via Tripadvisor

    TatiCaringi · April 2024

    Amazing tour

    It was a very chilled day, the views and places were prettier than the pictures. The guides were also very friendly!! Loved the day tour and recomend 100%.

    via Tripadvisor

    Z_e · January 2024

    Nice but .....

    The beauty of the craters! was stunning It's a good trip, but it had several butts. Only one boat ride which was disturbed with constant talking from the three staff members. Could not really enjoy the serenity of the lake. The drive was lovely, in a brand new car! The driver joined us for lunch, which I thought was odd. But it was a good trip a little expensive for one boat ride, I thought. But where is perfection in this world. All things work together for the good. Some strange characters came out of the woods at the last lake. One was staring pretty hard, came toward me and I had to think fast to get away from him, as I did not know what was going to happen. Tour guide did not see this. So you might want to lock your belongings in the car.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $120 to $150
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Ethio Travel And Tours, who run 19 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.

    See everything Ethio Travel And Tours runs

    Why this scores 59

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)77
    Review evidence (18% weight)51
    Booking momentum (14% weight)41
    Value for money (12% weight)45
    Listing quality (10% weight)60
    Local standing (8% weight)24
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu cost?

    +

    Prices start at $120 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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu take?

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    Plan for about 7 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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 15 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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu?

    +

    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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu?

    +

    Around 5 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?

    +

    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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu?

    +

    Included: Bottled water; English speaking Guide; Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Tea and coffee. Not included: All not Mentioned on The Inclusion. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 117 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu offered in?

    +

    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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu?

    +

    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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu if the weather is bad?

    +

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

    What do travelers say about Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu?

    +

    Across 15 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu.

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