THE LAKES AROUND DEBRE ZEIT

Around Debre Zeit, a dozen crater lakes of the Ethiopian Rift surround the town, providing excellent birdwatching spots for pelicans, fish eagles, flamingos, egrets and cormorants..

Lake Bishoftu. Located almost in the heart of the city, this is the deepest of all lakes (up to 85 m), covering an area of 9,000^m2. You can walk around it. A stopover at the Hotel Bishoftu offers a superb view of the crater below.

Lake Magarisa, 9 km from Bishoftu, located behind the air base on the road to Nazreth, is known as the "green lake" because of the algae that colonize its waters.

Lake Kilolé. 12 km northeast of the town, a difficult track leads to this lake, only half bordered by a rocky ridge and a favorite stopover for colonies of pink flamingos.

Lake Chelekela. This is a man-made reservoir, just like the three so-called "Cuban" lakes, which are therefore of less interest.

Lake Hora. Located less than 2 km east of the city, this 440 ^km2 crater lake, also known as Lake Zway or Lake Dambal, is the largest and most visited of all, yet paradoxically the wildest. Visitors come here to observe its dense fauna, particularly the hippos and birds that live here or are just passing through. It's also frequented by many fishermen. Its name, which means "fertility" in Oromo, comes from its alleged medicinal virtues, appreciated by women. More generally, the lake attracts a large population who come to enjoy the hot springs that gush out from its sides. Down below, a recreation center is a welcome stop-off outside weekends, when it quickly becomes noisy and overcrowded. Every year at the end of September, the great pagan Oromo celebration of Irrécha, in homage to fertility, takes place on the shores of the lake. Offerings are made to Waka, a god who also brings good luck for the coming harvest season. Believers circle around an old fig tree, smearing the trunk with perfume, butter and katikala, a local hooch.

Babogaya and Kuriftu lakes. A few kilometers north of Lake Hora, Lake Babogaya, comparable in size, and Lake Kuriftu, less extensive, are rich in tilapia fish. Fishing enthusiasts can indulge their passion here.