Attractions in Hawassa

Hawassa, the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) with a population of about 315,000 people, is a city of natural beauty and diversity. It is situated on the shore of Hawassa lake, the largest lake in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, which covers an area of 129 square kilometers and hosts a variety of fish species. The city is also surrounded by Tabor Mountain, a volcanic cone that rises to 2,100 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the city and the lake. The mountain is a popular hiking destination and has a church on its summit. Hawassa is famous for its birdlife, with over 300 species recorded in the area, including marabou storks, pelicans, kingfishers, hornbills, and flamingos. The city also has a rich wildlife, especially around the lake shore, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, baboons, and warthogs. There is also a hippo sanctuary where you can watch these animals from a safe distance. Hawassa is a city that offers a lot to explore and enjoy for nature lovers.

Fichee Chambalalla

The Sidama people’s New Year celebration is one of the most distinguished peculiar features of the sidama people and it has been celebrated for more than 2000 years. Fiche chambalala is the one among cultural tourist attractions in southern Ethiopia registered by UNESCO. Communal events take place throughout the festival, including traditional songs and dances. The festival therefore enhances equity, good governance, social cohesion, peaceful co-existence and integration among Sidama clans and the diverse ethnic groups in Ethiopia.

St. Gabriel Church

Each year on December 27 and July 27 people from different corner of Ethiopia, especially from neighboring towns and Addis Ababa gathered at Hawassa in order to commemorate annual feast of the archangel saint Gabriel. In these occasion people from abroad get the opportunity to attend the event and experience a colorfull religious celebration.

Mount Tabor

Mount Tabor is situated at western part of the town next to lake Hawassa. Its altitude is estimated about 1,813 meters or 5,948 feet above sea level. It is 25 minutes’ walk from the downtown or it is ten minutes’ drive.

Logita Water Fall

This amazing waterfall lies close to the main road that goes from Hawassa to Daye town. It is 71 miles from Hawassa city.