Early in the morning we drive south from Addis Ababa to Debre Zeit and then to the feet of the extinct volcano Mount Zuqualla. To visit the Zuqualla Monastery, founded in the 4th century and situated on the top of the mountain, we have to hike for about 4 hours and gain a height difference of about 900 m. We advise being in good physical condition to do this hike. Situated at the top of the mountain at almost 3,000 m sea level, there is also a lake surrounded by a beautiful forest which is considered to be holy. Here we can enjoy the wildlife, such as the Colobus monkeys and the endemic Menelik’s bushbuck, as well as birds, including the endemic Ethiopian oriole and Abyssinian woodpecker.

Lake Bishoftu, which lies immediately south of the town centre, is the closest to the rest of the town. The lake is accessible via a steep cattle path, and is often frequented by tourists and locals alike, particularly during the warm summer months, where they have been known to swim within its water. Lying one kilometre to the north of Bishoftu, Hora lake is the largest of the five, and is one of the most travelled with boats often seen upon the lake. For this reason, it is not advisable to swim far into its depths, however there are a number of jetties along its shore with boats and captains for hire.