Cycling · Active · Small Group
Rift Valley by Bike
A long descent from the highlands into the Great Rift Valley, then lake to lake on quiet roads.
The Journey
4 nights, designed around the hours that matter
Four days of riding with a support vehicle behind you: down from the Gurage highlands into the Rift Valley — a descent of well over a thousand metres — then between Lakes Ziway, Abijata-Shalla and Langano, ending on the lakeshore at Hawassa. E-bikes are available for anyone who wants the views with less effort.
Places
- Gurage Highlands
- Lake Ziway
- Abijata-Shalla
- Lake Langano
- Hawassa
Tailor-made journey
Priced to your plans
Quoted individually once we know your dates, lodges and group size.
- Duration
- 5 Days · 4 nights
- Best season
- Oct – May
- Group size
- 2 – 10 riders
- Style
- Cycling · Active · Small Group
Final pricing depends on season, room category and group size. No deposit is taken until the itinerary is right.
Day by Day
The itinerary, as it usually runs
A working draft rather than a fixed schedule — we move days around for weather, festivals and how you are feeling.
Day 1
Into the Gurage highlands
The drive south-west from Addis Ababa to the Gurage highlands, a bike fitting, and a short ride to loosen the legs.
Day 2
The big descent
From one of the highest ridges in Gurage, a fast descent from about 3,350 to 2,050 metres into the Rift Valley, then on toward Lake Ziway and a boat on the lake.
Day 3
Abijata-Shalla
Into Abijata-Shalla National Park, watching for flamingos — present from October to February — warthogs and ostriches, and the hot springs by Lake Shalla.
Day 4
Lake Langano
An easier day around Lake Langano, one of the few Rift Valley lakes suitable for swimming, with the afternoon on the shore.
Day 5
Hawassa & home
A transfer south to Hawassa for a final ride along its lakeshore, then the drive back to Addis Ababa.
What Is Included
- Quality bikes or e-bikes, helmets and repair kits
- A cycling guide and a support vehicle throughout
- Four nights at lakeside lodges
- A boat trip on Lake Ziway
- Full board on riding days
Not Included
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks and gratuities
Enquire
Make Rift Valley by Bike yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs Oct – May · 2 – 10 riders · priced to your plans
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Speak With a Designer
Questions before you enquire?
Altitude, road time, how hard the walking really is, whether the children will cope. Ask us anything — a designer will answer honestly.
Or call us directly on +1909-450-7246