Ziway Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and naturally beautiful destination of Ziway in Southern Ethiopia with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out the best places to visit, activities to do, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Ziway

Nestled in Southern Ethiopia, Ziway offers visitors a culturally rich and naturally beautiful destination. The town sits beside Ethiopia’s largest lake, Lake Ziway, and is surrounded by rolling hills and scenic countryside. Ziway is the perfect place to experience the traditional ways of Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups, and to explore the nature and wildlife of the region.

List of Places to Visit in Ziway

Here are some of the best places to visit during your stay in Ziway:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tulu Gudo Rock Pillar Site: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features ancient rock carvings of animals and humans.
  • Adadi Mariam: An ancient rock-hewn church that dates back to the 12th century.
  • Abiata-Shala National Park: A protected area that features expansive grasslands and two lakes, Abiata and Shala. The park is home to a wide variety of birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds.

Natural Attractions of Ziway: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Ziway: Ethiopia’s largest lake, Lake Ziway is home to several species of fish and has a reputation as a great spot for birdwatching.
  • Menagesha Suba Forest National Park: A protected area that is home to several species of wildlife, including baboons, colobus monkeys, and hyenas. The park also features a 400-year-old juniper forest.
  • Hara Langano Recreational Area: A popular recreational area that is ideal for swimming, boating, and other water-based activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ziway

Ziway is surrounded by rolling hills that offer great opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in the area include the Shashemene to Wondo Genet route, the Muktar Mountain route, and the Ziway to Langano route.

Best Things to Do in Ziway: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do during your stay in Ziway:

  • Take a boat tour of Lake Ziway and spot some of the more than 50 species of birds that call it home.
  • Visit one of Ziway’s traditional markets, where you can sample local foods and buy handmade crafts.
  • Explore the countryside on a guided horseback riding tour.
  • Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Ethiopian dishes like injera bread and shiro stew.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ziway

If you’re planning to spend a week in Ziway, here’s a sample itinerary that will help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Arrive in Ziway and explore the town’s traditional markets and local cuisine.

Day 2: Take a guided tour of the Tulu Gudo Rock Pillar Site and Adadi Mariam.

Day 3: Enjoy a day of birdwatching and boating on Lake Ziway.

Day 4: Take a guided hike or mountain biking trip in the surrounding hills.

Day 5: Explore the Menagesha Suba Forest National Park and its diverse wildlife.

Day 6: Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Ethiopian dishes.

Day 7: Depart for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Ziway

Ethiopian cuisine is world-renowned for its flavors and diversity, and Ziway is no exception.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Injera: A spongy flatbread made from teff flour and served with a variety of stews and meats.
  • Kitfo: A traditional Ethiopian dish made from minced raw beef mixed with spices, served with injera.
  • Shiro: A spicy stew made from ground chickpeas or lentils, served with injera.

Local Beverages

  • Tej: A traditional honey wine that is popular in Ethiopia.
  • Coffee: Ethiopia is known for producing some of the finest coffee in the world, and Ziway is a great place to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Where to Stay in Ziway: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ziway offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some of the most popular hotels and guesthouses in the area include:

  • The Rift Valley Hotel: A luxury hotel that offers breathtaking views of Lake Ziway and the surrounding hills.
  • Saga Resort: A mid-range hotel that features comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
  • Ziway Meskel Lodge: An affordable guesthouse that is located near Lake Ziway and offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

What to Buy in Ziway: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ziway is known for its traditional crafts and handmade goods. Some of the most popular souvenirs to bring back home include:

  • Woven baskets and pottery made by local artisans.
  • Traditional Ethiopian clothing like shawls and scarves.
  • Honey and other locally produced foods.

Local Culture and Customs of Ziway

Ethiopia is a country with a rich and diverse cultural history, and Ziway is no exception. Visitors to the area can expect to encounter traditional music, dancing, and other cultural practices. It is important to respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting cultural attractions.

Best Time to Visit Ziway

The best time to visit Ziway is during the dry season, which runs from October to March. During this time, the weather is mild and there is little rain, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ziway

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Ziway:

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting holy sites and cultural attractions.
  • Explore the countryside on foot, horseback, or mountain bike.
  • Try traditional Ethiopian cuisine and sample the local beverages.

Don’t:

  • Take photos of people without their consent.
  • Enter holy sites or cultural attractions without first seeking permission.
  • Litter or damage the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Ethiopia is a safe destination for travelers, but visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.

Safety in Ziway

  • Visitors should avoid walking alone at night and should be aware of their surroundings at all times.
  • Petty crime can occur, so it is important to keep valuables out of sight and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Health in Ziway

  • Visitors should drink only bottled water and avoid eating undercooked or raw foods.
  • Yellow fever and other vaccinations are recommended before traveling to Ethiopia.
  • Visitors should be aware of the risk of malaria and take appropriate measures to prevent infection.

Getting to Ziway: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ziway is located approximately 155 km south of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Visitors can reach Ziway by air, bus, or private car.

Airports Near Ziway

The nearest international airport to Ziway is the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is approximately 160 km away.

Bus Stations Near Ziway

Several bus companies operate services to Ziway from Addis Ababa and other major cities in Ethiopia. Some of the most popular companies include Selam Bus, Sky Bus, and Inter-City Bus.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire private cars or take taxis to Ziway from Addis Ababa.

How to Get Around in Ziway

Ziway is a small town that can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. Taxis are also available for longer distances, and visitors can rent cars or motorcycles to explore the surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Ziway: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ziway is located in the heart of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley and is surrounded by several other popular tourist destinations. Some of the most popular nearby destinations include:

  • Awassa: A bustling town located on the shores of Lake Awassa, known for its diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.
  • Shashemene: A town known for its Rastafarian community and reggae culture.
  • Wondo Genet: A forested area that is home to Ethiopia’s only natural hot springs.

Conclusion

Ziway is a culturally rich and naturally beautiful destination that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the traditional ways of Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, Ziway is the perfect place to experience all that Ethiopia has to offer. Whether you’re looking to hike through the hills, explore the local cuisine, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, Ziway is sure to be an unforgettable destination.

Map showing the location of the northern Rift Valley lakes to the south of Addis Ababa Map showing the location of the northern Rift Valley lakes to the south of Addis Ababa Lake Ziway Lake Ziway Pelicans on the lake Pelicans on the lake