3 Days Tours To Hawassa

Destinations: Addis Ababa – Rift Valley – Hawassa (Awassa)
Best For: Nature • Relaxation • Birdwatching • Local Culture
Travel Style: Road trip by private car or van (approx. 4.5–5 hours each way)

🗓 Day 1: Addis Ababa → Hawassa via Rift Valley Lakes

Morning:

• Depart Addis Ababa after breakfast by private vehicle.

• Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley.

• Stop at Lake Ziway for birdwatching (pelicans, storks, herons).

• Optional: visit a local fish market or boat trip on Lake Ziway.

Lunch: Stop in Shashamene or Ziway for a traditional Ethiopian meal.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Hawassa (early to mid-afternoon).

• Check into hotel or lakeside resort.

• Relax and walk along the Hawassa Lake promenade.

• Visit Amora Gedel Park, known for its vervet monkeys and birdlife.

Evening:

• Enjoy a lakeside dinner with freshly caught tilapia fish.

• Optional visit to Wondo Genet Hot Springs (about 45 min away, good for an evening soak if time permits).

Overnight: Hotel or resort in Hawassa (Haile Resort, Lewi Resort, or similar)

🗓 Day 2: Hawassa Exploration – Culture & Nature

Early Morning:

• Visit the Hawassa Fish Market at sunrise.

  • See fishermen bringing in their catch.

  • Enjoy fresh fish breakfast by the lake (local style).

Late Morning:

• Visit Hawassa University campus or Sidama Cultural Museum (if open).

• Optional visit to Nearby Sidama villages to learn about local traditions and coffee ceremonies.

Lunch: Enjoy traditional Sidama cuisine or return to your resort for lunch.

Afternoon Options:

1. Boat ride on Lake Hawassa – spot hippos, aquatic birds, and enjoy the scenery.

2. Relax by the lake or resort pool.

3. Optional: Drive to Wondo Genet Forest – short hike or hot springs bath.

Evening:

• Dinner at a local restaurant or resort.

• Sunset by the lake.

Overnight: Hawassa

🗓 Day 3: Hawassa → Addis Ababa Return

Morning:

• Breakfast at hotel.

• Optional last stroll along the lake or short stop at local crafts markets.

Midday:

• Begin return journey to Addis Ababa.

• Optional stop at:

  • Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park for flamingo and ostrich sightings

  • Lake Ziway wineries or Batu town for lunch and coffee.

Evening:

• Arrive in Addis Ababa by 5:00–6:00 PM.

• Drop-off at hotel or airport (if departing same day).

✅ Tour Inclusions (Typical)

• Private vehicle with driver and fuel

• 2 nights accommodation (mid-range or luxury available)

• All entrance fees (parks, fish market, museums)

• Boat ride on Lake Hawassa

• Guided visits and cultural stops

• Daily bottled water

Recommended Packing:

• Light clothing, sun hat, sunscreen

• Binoculars for birding

• Swimsuit if visiting hot springs

• Camera with zoom lens