
Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu
Traveler rating
3.2/5
Based on 5 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 9-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $56 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.2/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 3.2/5 (5)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $56 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
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Coffee and/or tea
Not included
- Other Services which are not mentioned on the inclusion section
What you'll see and do
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.
120 minutes here
Bishoftu
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
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 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guide to Addis
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Confirmed my booking but did not show up on the day
Very disappointing. I booked, prepaid and received a confirmation for this trip. But on the day, I was waiting at the agreed pick up and time. The tour guide did not show. After 20 minutes wait, I tried calling the tour company's number - which was out of service. My hotel reception helped me to try another number that is listed online for Guide to Addis, and they hung up on me. After one hour, the guide had still not arrived and so I made a different arrangement to get me to Debre Zeit. I have requested a refund from Trip Advisor
via Tripadvisor
50km from Addis Ababa!
If you are in Addis Ababa with a free day, visiting Debre-Zeit could be a good option to spend some time. It's not far, 50 km!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Nice day out
Amazing experience and incredible landscape. More than I expected. The guides were friendly and funny.
via Viator
Do not take this tour
Several things, the driver didn't speak English (even though I requested an English speaking driver/guide), he got lost, and most importantly, he didn't know/understand the itinerary. After speaking with the management of this tour company, it seems they didn't read the itinerary as well. This was a complete mess and I never got to take the actual tour, despite having to sit in a car for about 3 hours or so, round-trip. If you value your time and money, do not book this tour.
via Viator
So refreshing.
The Day trip to the Bishoftu lake was really great everything was well organized we have visited three beautiful lakes which were the most amazing place to refresh our minds.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Guide to Addis, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.3.
See everything Guide to Addis runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
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Prices start at $56 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 9 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?
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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 (3.2/5 across 5 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?
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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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-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?
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Around 2 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-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?
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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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu?
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Included: Bottled water; Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Coffee and/or tea. Not included: Other Services which are not mentioned on the inclusion section. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 124 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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. 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?
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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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu 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 Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu 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 to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 3.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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