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.

Lake Ziway

Hora-Dambal also known as Lake Zway or Dambal is one of the freshwater Rift Valley lakes of Ethiopia.

Mount Fentale

Fentale is a stratovolcano located in Awash National Park which was found in the Afar Region, Ethiopia.

Debre Zeit

Bishoftu is a town in central Ethiopia. Located in the East Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region, it sits at an elevation of 1,920 metres.

Lake Basaka

Lake Basaka is a shallow, saline lake in the Oromia Region of central Ethiopia.

Mount Zuqualla

Mount Zuqualla is an extinct volcano in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia.

Awash waterfalls

Located within Awash National Park, these waterfalls are formed where the Awash River cascades over basaltic rock formations into a deep gorge.

Sodere Hot Spring - Actual Spring

Natural thermal springs situated along the Awash River, utilized for therapeutic bathing and recreation.

Oromo Martyrs' monument

A memorial in Adama dedicated to those who died in the Oromo people's struggle for political and social rights.

Aba Gada Monument

A monument in Adama commemorating the Gadaa system, the traditional indigenous democratic socio-political system of the Oromo.

Bird island

An island on Lake Ziway known for its high concentration of Great White Pelicans, Marabou Storks, and other water birds.

Lake Cheleleka

A seasonal lake near Bishoftu that serves as a significant habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos and cranes.

Derartu Tulu Square

A public square in Adama named in honor of Derartu Tulu, the first African woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

Hyena's Cave

A natural cave system located near Mount Fentale in Awash National Park, known for its resident hyena population.

Green Lake

One of the volcanic crater lakes in Bishoftu, distinguished by its deep green hue caused by mineral and algae content.