Crater Lakes · Central Ethiopia
Bishoftu & Mount Zuqualla
Forty kilometres south-east of the capital, the town of Bishoftu is ringed by volcanic crater lakes — among them Lake Hora, where the Oromo gather each October for Irreecha. Above them rises Mount Zuqualla, whose crater holds a sacred lake and a monastery.
Why We Go
Volcanic crater lakes an hour from Addis, and a holy mountain with a lake in its summit.
Bishoftu — also known by its older name, Debre Zeit — sits at 1,920 metres among a cluster of crater lakes formed by volcanic activity. They make an easy escape from the city: birdlife along the shores, lakeside cafés, and water far calmer than the traffic you left behind.
Lake Hora is also the setting for Irreecha, the thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people, when crowds in traditional dress gather at the shore each October to give thanks, touching fresh grass and flowers to the water. It is a genuine community celebration, and one we visit respectfully and only with a local guide.
Across the plain, Mount Zuqualla rises to about 3,000 metres. At its summit is a crater lake considered holy, and a monastery that tradition says was founded by Abbo, an Egyptian saint. The walk to the rim is rewarded with wide views over the surrounding plains.
Highlights
- 01The crater lakes of Bishoftu, including Hora and the deeper Babogaya
- 02Irreecha, the Oromo thanksgiving festival held at Lake Hora each October
- 03The walk up Mount Zuqualla to its crater lake, held holy by pilgrims
- 04The monastery on Zuqualla, traditionally founded by the Egyptian saint Abbo
Best combined with a stay of 1 day, travelling October – May.
Journeys Including Bishoftu & Mount Zuqualla
Routes that pass through here
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