Hawassa is the Rift Valley's easy-going lake city: a place for a dawn fish market, a small boat among hippos, a hike up Mount Tabor, and a sunset on the shore with a cold drink, only a long morning's drive south of Addis Ababa. It is popular with Ethiopian families for weekends and a natural stop on the way to Lake Langano, the Sidama coffee country and the south. This guide covers what to do, where to stay, how to get there and when to go.

Quick answer

Hawassa is a lakeside city in Ethiopia's Rift Valley and the capital of the Sidama region, roughly 270–280 km (4–5 hours by road) south of Addis Ababa. The best things to do are the dawn fish market, a boat trip to see hippos and birds, and the Mount Tabor hike. Stay at lakefront hotels such as Haile Resort Hawassa, and go between October and February for dry weather.

Key facts

Where
Hawassa (Awasa), a lakeside city in Ethiopia's Rift Valley, the capital of the Sidama region
From Addis Ababa
Roughly 270–280 km south; allow about 4–5 hours by road depending on traffic and road works
Best things to do
Dawn fish market, boat trip for hippos and birds, Mount Tabor hike, lakeside sunsets
Best season
October–February (dry, sunny); the main rains are roughly June–September
Where to stay
Haile Resort Hawassa (lakefront), Central Hawassa Hotel, Hawassa Lake View Hotel
Pair it with
Lake Langano, Wenchi, Sidama coffee country or an onward trip to Arba Minch and the Omo Valley
Check first
Look at your government's current advice for the route and region, and confirm your travel insurance

Where Hawassa is and why people go

Hawassa (also spelled Awasa) sits on the shore of Lake Hawassa in Ethiopia's Rift Valley and is the capital of the Sidama region. It is roughly 270 to 280 km south of Addis Ababa, a four-to-five-hour drive depending on traffic and road works, and is the biggest city in the lakes region. People come for the water, the birdlife, the relaxed pace and the resorts — a very different feel from the highland historic route. If you are building a longer trip, our weekend escapes from Addis Ababa guide places Hawassa among the other Rift Valley options.

Ethiopian Rift Valley lake scenery — Hawassa's appeal is water, birds and a relaxed pace
Ethiopian Rift Valley lake scenery — Hawassa's appeal is water, birds and a relaxed pace

What to do in Hawassa

The dawn fish market

The signature Hawassa morning is the lakeside fish market at first light. Fishermen land fresh tilapia, buyers crowd the shore, and birds gather around the action. Locals eat raw fish at breakfast there. Go early, bring small notes, and keep an eye on your belongings.

A boat on the lake

Hire a small wooden boat to look for hippos and birdlife; the boat captains know where to go. Local advice is not to swim in the lake itself, so enjoy the water from the boat. Bring a hat, sunscreen and — if you are a birdwatcher — binoculars.

Mount Tabor

For a view over the city and the lake, hike up Mount Tabor. Go early, wear proper shoes, and bring water — even a modest hill feels harder at altitude. See what to wear by season and terrain for what to pack.

Parks, churches and sunsets

Other things to see include St. Gabriel Church, Tikur Wuha Park and Millennium Park, and the lakeshore is at its best at sunset. Hawassa also works well as a base for Sidama's coffee country — see our coffee regions guide.

Where to stay in Hawassa

Most visitors stay by the lake. Haile Resort Hawassa is a four-star lakefront resort with a large number of rooms, restaurants and sports facilities. Central Hawassa Hotel is a town-centre option with a pool and rooftop terrace, and Hawassa Lake View Hotel is a smaller property with a lake view. Compare recent reviews, check pools and breakfast hours, and keep a refundable rate until plans are firm.

How to get to Hawassa from Addis Ababa

  • By road: about four to five hours. Public minibuses and buses run the route; a private driver or hire car gives you flexibility and lets you stop on the way at Lake Langano or Wenchi.
  • By air: Hawassa has an airport (AWA), but availability changes, so check current schedules.
  • Timing: start early and aim to arrive in daylight; our road-trip safety guide covers fuel and night-driving rules.

When to go

The dry, sunny months from about October to February are the most comfortable; the main rains fall roughly from June to September. Weekends can be busy with domestic visitors, so book ahead if you want a lakefront room. See the best time to visit Ethiopia.

Before you go

  • Safety and advisories: check your government's current advice for the route and region before you travel, and read our safety guide.
  • Insurance: confirm your travel insurance covers where you are going.
  • Money: carry small notes — see the money guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How far is Hawassa from Addis Ababa?
Hawassa is roughly 270 to 280 km south of Addis Ababa, and by road you should allow around four to five hours depending on traffic, roadworks and where you start in the capital. Public minibuses and buses run the route, private drivers and hire cars are common, and there is an airport (AWA) at Hawassa, though flight availability changes so check current schedules. If you are driving, read our road-trip safety guide and start early to arrive in daylight.
What is there to do in Hawassa?
The classic Hawassa morning is the lakeside fish market at dawn, where fresh tilapia is landed and sold and where birds gather around the activity — go early, and note that locals eat raw fish at breakfast there. Hire a small wooden boat to see hippos and birdlife on the lake, climb Mount Tabor for views over the city and lake, and finish with a sunset on the shore. Other suggestions include the St. Gabriel Church, Tikur Wuha Park and Millennium Park. Local advice is not to swim in the lake itself, and boat captains will tell you where it is safe to approach the hippos.
Where should I stay in Hawassa?
Most visitors choose a lakeside property. Haile Resort Hawassa is a four-star lakefront resort with a large number of rooms, dining and sports facilities. Central Hawassa Hotel is a town-centre option with a pool and rooftop terrace, and Hawassa Lake View Hotel is a smaller property with a lake view. Prices and facilities change, so compare dates and recent reviews on a booking site and keep a refundable rate until your plans are firm. For hotel-booking basics across the country, see our best hotels in Addis Ababa guide, and for the weekend circuit see weekend escapes from Addis Ababa.