East Shewa Zone

Featured Lists

Balikiman / CC BY-SA 3.0

East Shewa Essentials

East Shewa spans a geologically active section of Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley, characterized by a diverse collection of water bodies ranging from the freshwater Lake Ziway to the saline Lake Basaka. The region features significant volcanic landmarks, including the extinct Mount Zuqualla and the active Mount Fentale. Beyond its natural landscape of waterfalls and hot springs, the area serves as a cultural center for the Oromo people, evidenced by historical monuments in Adama and the volcanic crater lakes surrounding Bishoftu.

14 places

Editor's Choice

This collection highlights the diverse natural landscapes and cultural heritage of East Shewa. It features significant geological sites like the Awash waterfalls and Sodere’s volcanic hot springs, alongside monuments in Adama and Mojo that honor Oromo history and the Gadaa governance system. The list also includes memorials dedicated to national figures such as Olympic gold medalist Derartu Tulu and World War II hero Colonel Abdissa Aga, as well as the avian-rich Bird Island on Lake Ziway.

10 places

Scenic Lakes & Viewpoints

This collection highlights the volcanic landscape of the Ethiopian Rift Valley near Bishoftu. It features a series of distinct crater lakes, including the saline waters of Lake Basaka and the algae-rich Green Lake. The area is characterized by dramatic elevation changes, offering panoramic viewpoints such as Boku and Debre Zeyt View. These locations provide insight into the region's geological activity and serve as habitats for diverse bird species amidst the rugged terrain of the Oromia Region.

6 places

Dragan Vidovic / CC BY-SA 3.0

Volcanic Landscapes

This collection highlights the geological diversity of the Main Ethiopian Rift within the East Shewa Zone. The landscape features a mix of active stratovolcanoes like Mount Fentale, known for its massive four-kilometer-wide caldera, and extinct peaks such as Mount Zuqualla, which houses a sacred crater lake. The region is defined by geothermal activity, including the hot springs of Sodore and the obsidian-rich terrain of the Boset-Bericha complex, showcasing the ongoing tectonic processes that shape the Great Rift Valley.

7 places

East Shewa Zone — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: January, February, November, December

Practical information

Tours & Activities