Duration
5-Day
Lake Ziway, Ethiopia
5-Day Ethiopia Rift Valley Lakes Wildlife Nature Escape
Overview
Escape the city and explore the stunning landscapes of Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley on this immersive 5-day journey from Addis Ababa. Travel through highlights including Lake Ziway, Abijata-Shalla National Park, Lake Langano, Hawassa, and Wondo Genet. Enjoy boat trips, birdwatching, wildlife, hot springs, and cultural encounters--perfect for nature lovers seeking adventure and relaxation.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Lake Ziway, Lake Langano, Awasa (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Lake Ziway
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
10 years
Activities
walking safaris (with an armed guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Haile Resort Ziway - Mid-range hotel at Lake Ziway – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$1,034 USD
$770 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,034 USD
$770 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$1,034 USD
$770 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 10 years and older.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Lake Ziway
Day 2-3
Lake Langano
Day 4
Awasa (City)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 5)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses resorts and hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
10
Minimum age of 10 years
The minimum age for this tour is 10 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: walking safaris (with an armed guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Getting around: minivan & normal 4x4 vehicle
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Haile Resort Ziway
Mid-range hotel at Lake Ziway – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Ija Langano Resort
Mid-range resort at Lake Langano – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3-4
Haile Resort Hawassa
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Addis Ababa - Lake Zeway
Begin your journey with a scenic drive south from Addis Ababa into the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, enjoy ever-changing landscapes of rolling hills, acacia-dotted plains, rural villages, and panoramic viewpoints that highlight the region’s natural beauty. Arrive at Lake Ziway in the afternoon and check in to your peaceful lakeside lodge, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding scenery. After some time to relax, take a boat excursion to Tulu Gudo Island, one of the lake’s most historic and scenic highlights. Visit the ancient monastery and enjoy the tranquil setting while spotting a variety of waterbirds and lakeside wildlife. Lake Ziway is one of Ethiopia’s top birding destinations, providing a perfect introduction to the Rift Valley ecosystem. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon and unwind while enjoying a stunning lakeside sunset or a peaceful walk along the shore. Overnight: Haile Resort Ziway. Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Ziway Stay: Haile Resort Ziway Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Lake Ziway Wetlands – Abijata-Shalla National Park – Lake Langano
Start your morning with breakfast overlooking Lake Ziway, followed by a guided walk through the surrounding wetlands. This bird-rich habitat offers sightings of pelicans, herons, storks, kingfishers, and more. Visit nearby fishing communities to observe traditional practices and experience local culture. Continue to Abijata-Shalla National Park, known for its alkaline lakes, volcanic scenery, open savannah, and abundant birdlife. After exploring the park’s dramatic landscapes, drive onward to Lake Langano. Upon arrival, check in at Eja Resort Langano and enjoy lunch followed by a relaxing afternoon. Lake Langano is famous for its safe swimming waters and peaceful sandy shores. You may swim, play volleyball or table tennis, go horseback riding, or simply relax by the beach. Overnight: Eja Resort, Lake Langano. Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Ija Langano Resort Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Lake Langano – Abijata-Shalla National Park – Shashemene – Hawassa
After breakfast at Lake Langano, head to the western section of Abijata-Shalla National Park. Explore the dramatic landscapes of Lake Abijata and Lake Shalla, known for their contrasting scenery, volcanic features, and rich birdlife. Look out for gazelles, warthogs, ostriches, and numerous migratory birds while enjoying panoramic viewpoints ideal for photography. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation before continuing south. En route, stop in Shashemene to visit the famous Rastafarian community, an important cultural and historical site linked to Ethiopia’s Pan-African heritage. Continue to Hawassa, one of Ethiopia’s most pleasant lakeside destinations. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the lake, soaking in the fresh air and tranquil atmosphere. Overnight: Haile Resort Hawassa. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Haile Resort Hawassa Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Hawassa – Lake Hawassa – Amora Gedel Park – Wondo Genet
After breakfast, begin your day with a scenic boat trip on Lake Hawassa, one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. This peaceful morning excursion offers excellent opportunities to spot hippos and a wide variety of aquatic birds, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. After returning to shore, continue to Amora Gedel Park, a tranquil natural area known for its lakeside forest and rich biodiversity. Enjoy a guided walk while searching for Colobus (Guereza) monkeys, Grivet monkeys, colorful bird species, and occasionally hyenas in the surrounding area. Return to your hotel for lunch and relaxation before heading out again around 1:00 PM to Wondo Genet. This lush highland destination is famous for its cool climate, dense forest, birdlife, and natural hot springs. Enjoy a gentle hike and unwind in the soothing thermal waters. Return to Hawassa in the evening. Overnight: Haile Resort Hawassa. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awasa (City) Stay: Haile Resort Hawassa Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Hawassa – Fish Market – Bishoftu – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Hawassa’s lively local fish market along the shores of Lake Hawassa. Watch fishermen bring in their fresh catch and experience the vibrant daily life of the lakeside community. Then begin your scenic drive back to Addis Ababa, enjoying the changing landscapes of the Rift Valley. Along the way, stop in Bishoftu (Debre Zeit), known for its beautiful crater lakes, where you will enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Addis Ababa and, upon arrival, enjoy a farewell evening at a traditional cultural restaurant with Ethiopian cuisine, music, and dance performances. After dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your departure, or drop-off at your hotel. End of Tour. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Nature Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
2 reviews
Welcome to Nature Ethiopia Tours, your trusted local tour operator offering authentic nature,
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2025)
Member Of
IATA & ASTA
Tour Types
Budget camping tours where clients assist with camp chores
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5They have excellent planning skills.
I exprienced a fantastic tour thanks to Reta. He is a good and amazing and safe driver.
Ken · Japan
Teshome was extremely kind and patient.
I got to experience authentic cultural immersion (grinding coffee, making injera) and the walk in the park was refreshing. Teshome was such a great communicator and extremely kind. He also took me to a mall to buy the Habesha dress which was very thoughtful.
HT · United Kingdom
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 10 years and older.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Haile Resort Ziway - Mid-range hotel at Lake Ziway – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Nature Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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