Southern

Hawassa

Relaxed lakeside city with a morning fish market, birdlife and colobus monkeys.

What is Hawassa

Hawassa, also spelled Awassa, is a lakeside city in Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley, about 270 kilometres south of Addis Ababa and the capital of the Sidama Region. It sits on the shore of Lake Hawassa and is a popular stop on routes to the south.

Hawassa is a green, easy-going city on the eastern shore of Lake Hawassa. Its lakefront is lined with fig trees, cafes and resorts, and the lake draws fishermen, pelicans, marabou storks and many other birds. In the early morning the fish market at Amora Gedel is the liveliest place in town, and colobus and vervet monkeys live in the lakeside trees. Tabor Hill gives views over the city and the lake.

Why Visit Hawassa

Hawassa is a comfortable place to break the drive south, with good hotels, lake views and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a strong base for birdwatching, boat trips and short excursions, including the hot springs at Wondo Genet, and it connects naturally with the Bale Mountains to the east and Arba Minch and the Omo Valley further south.

History and Significance of Hawassa

Hawassa grew rapidly in the second half of the 20th century and is now one of the largest cities in southern Ethiopia and the capital of the Sidama Region. The Sidama new year festival, Fichee-Chambalaalla, is inscribed by UNESCO on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Top Things to Do in Hawassa

Amora Gedel fish market: watch the morning catch come in, with pelicans and marabou storks close by.
Lakeside walks and boat trips: birdlife, hippos in quieter areas and colobus monkeys in the trees.
Tabor Hill: a short climb for views over the city and lake.
Wondo Genet: forested hot springs about an hour from town.

Best Time to Visit Hawassa

Hawassa is pleasant all year, with a warm Rift Valley climate. The dry months from October to March are best for birds and boat trips; heavier rain falls in the main wet season.

Period	What to expect
October to March (dry)	Best for birdlife, boat trips and walking.
April to September	Greener with more rain; still a good stopover.

How to Get to Hawassa from Addis Ababa

Hawassa is about 270 kilometres south of Addis Ababa, around four to five hours by road, or less using the expressway for part of the way. There are also domestic flights to Hawassa. Most travellers arrive by private car as part of a southern route.

How Many Days Do You Need in Hawassa

One night is enough for the fish market, the lakefront and Tabor Hill; add a day for Wondo Genet or a slower pace.

Trip type	Suggested time
Stopover	One night on the way south.
With Wondo Genet	Two nights.

Where to Stay in Hawassa

Hawassa has a wide choice of hotels and lakeside resorts, from mid-range city hotels to larger resort properties on the shore. Book ahead at weekends and on public holidays, when the city is popular with visitors from Addis Ababa.

What to Wear and Pack for Hawassa

Light clothing for the warm climate, a light jacket for evenings, sun protection and insect repellent for the lakeshore. Binoculars are worth bringing for the birdlife.

Is Hawassa Safe to Visit

Hawassa is a busy, well-visited city. Take normal precautions with valuables, check your government’s current travel advice for the region before you go, and avoid swimming in the lake.

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

The other Rift Valley lakes lie to the north, Wondo Genet is close by, the Bale Mountains are a day’s drive east, and Arba Minch and the Omo Valley continue the route south.