The most beautiful natural sites to discover Ethiopia

A boat trip on the lake is a welcome moment of calm to observe the birds and hippos gathered in a secluded marshy cove. As the boats are not motorized, you should allow two to three hours for a complete excursion. Rentals can be made at the main jetty or in Amora Gedel Park, located at the very end of the trail. Meaning "valley of birds", this is a bird-watching mecca where kingfishers and other lake birds live side by side with grey-cheeked hornbills.

Located almost in the heart of the city, this lake, the deepest of all (up to 85 m), covers an area of 9 000 m ². It is possible to walk on foot. A simple stop at the Hotel Bishoftu also allows you to enjoy a superb view on the crater below.

A detour to the shores of Lake Hayq ("lake" in Amharic) provides a very peaceful stop-off for a picnic and a good spot for birdwatching. It is surrounded by fertile hills and giant cacti - the opuntia, very common in the region. There are a number of cafés on the lakeshore (the restaurant offer is more than limited), providing good vantage points and an excuse to take a break, not least to watch the fishermen balancing on their frail papyrus skiffs, identical to those on Lake Tana.

This lake, which is 9 km away, located behind the air base on the road to Nazreth, is known as "Green lake" because of the algae that colonize its waters.

A 12 km towards the northeast, a difficult track leads to this lake, bordered only half by a rocky edge and privileged stop of the pink flamingos colonies.

The gigantic bridge spanning the waters of the Blue Nile on the road to Addis Ababa was built by the Italians. The aesthetically pleasing structure is the object of special attention, as two vehicles cannot drive over it at the same time. Linking the provinces of Choa and Godjam, previously separated by this chaotic natural border, this unique link is truly strategic for the country's economy. In this area, you'll come across gelada baboons on the side of the road, waiting for truck drivers to throw them some bread.

Called Chew Bahir ("salt sea") in Amharic, and also known as Lake Stephanie, it lies at the end of the Ethiopian Rift, less than 400 m above sea level. The flooded surface area of this basin depends on its supply by the Segan and Weyto rivers. In the dry season, evaporation causes the lake to cover only 10% of its surface area, leaving areas crystallized by rising salinity. After the rains, a more diversified wildlife takes possession of the swampy area, with herbivores attracting their predators in their wake.

The bridge to the river was swept away by a flood a few years ago. However, when the flow is low, it is possible to cross the stream and catch up.