Lake Hora

Eastern Ethiopia

LoginSave

Lying just north of the town centre, Lake Hora is the wildest of Bishoftu's lakes and features some outstanding birdlife along its lushly vegetated slopes. There's a footpath around the lake, but never go alone as theft is a real concern. Sadly there's no reliable local guide that can be recommended in the area.

On the first Sunday following Meskel, the Oromo people celebrate Irecha here. Thanks are given to Waka (One God) and good fortune is sought for the upcoming planting season. Devotees gather around an ancient fig tree to smear perfume, butter and katickala (a distilled alcohol) on the trunk and share ceremonial meals.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Ethnological Museum

    Ethnological Museum

    25.25 MILES

    Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace, and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of the university’s main campus, is the enthralling…

  • National Museum of Ethiopia.

    National Museum

    24.6 MILES

    The collection on show at the National Museum is ranked among the most important in sub-Saharan Africa, but sadly many of its exhibits are poorly labelled…

  • Coffins filled with possessions of victims of Derg, Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum.

    'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum

    23.14 MILES

    ‘As if I bore them all in one night, they slew them in a single night.’ These were the words spoken by the mother of four teenage children all killed on…

  • Saint George Church

    St George Cathedral & Museum

    25 MILES

    Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his stunning 1896 defeat of the Italians in Adwa, and dedicated to St George (Ethiopia’s patron saint),…

  • Holy Trinity Cathedral, Arat Kilo.

    Holy Trinity Cathedral

    24.02 MILES

    This massive and ornate cathedral is the second-most important place of worship in Ethiopia (ranking behind the Old Church of St Mary of Zion in Aksum)…

  • Washa Mikael Church

    Washa Mikael Church

    23.47 MILES

    The Washa Mikael Church is a few kilometres east of Addis Ababa's town centre. Though local priests date it back to the 3rd century AD, it most probably…

  • Shoppers in Merkato (market).

    Merkato

    25.35 MILES

    Wading into the market chaos known as Merkato, just west of Addis' centre, can be as rewarding as it is exasperating. You may find the most eloquent aroma…

  • Lion of Judah Monument

    Lion of Judah Monument

    23.61 MILES

    Long the symbol of Ethiopia’s monarchy, the Lion of Judah is ubiquitous throughout the country – and although images of the almighty animal abound in…

View more attractions

Nearby Eastern Ethiopia attractions

1. Lake Kuriftu

1.24 MILES

The tiniest of the lakes dotted around town, pretty Lake Kuriftu is notable for the sprawling Kuriftu Resort and Spa that hugs the north shore.

2. Lake Bishoftu

1.59 MILES

The best way to appreciate this scenic body of water is from the crater rim at one of the hotels, drink in hand. The view is sensational. According to…

3. Lake Babogaya

1.67 MILES

Lake Babogaya (formerly named Bishoftu Guda) is the site of most of Bishoftu's high-end resorts. With its beautiful backdrop of volcanic Mt Yerer, this…

4. Lake Chelekleka

1.72 MILES

Shallow Lake Chelekleka, 2km west of the main roundabout, is a birdwatcher favourite, and lesser flamingos as well as pelicans and various species of…

6. Addis Ababa Museum

23.09 MILES

Despite only being founded on Addis' centenary in 1986, the Addis Ababa Museum is the city’s scruffiest museum. That said, perusing candid portraits of…

7. 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum

23.14 MILES

‘As if I bore them all in one night, they slew them in a single night.’ These were the words spoken by the mother of four teenage children all killed on…

8. Africa Hall

23.34 MILES

Built in 1961 by Emperor Haile Selassie, Africa Hall (near Meskal Sq) is the seat of the UN’s Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Italian-designed…