Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Welcome to Bishoftu, a picturesque town located in the heart of Ethiopia’s Oromia Region. Formerly known as Debre Zeyit, Bishoftu is a resort town that sits at an elevation of 1,920 metres (6,300 ft) and is known for its stunning lakes and breathtaking landscapes. The town is located within the Bishoftu volcanic field, an area of Holocene lava flows, cinder cones, tuff rings and maars. Several of the maars are water-filled, forming five crater lakes: Lake Bishoftu, Lake Hora, Lake Bishoftu Guda, Lake Koriftu and the seasonal Lake Cheleklaka. Lake Hora is a base for watersports, many water birds and an annual festival. Other nearby points of interest include Mount Yerer, Green Crater Lake and Lake Hora Kiloli. Bishoftu is also home to the Ethiopian Air Force and the Harar Meda Airport, as well as a station on the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway. The town has a rich history, with the beginnings of what would become the Ethiopian Air Force being moved from Lideta airport in Addis Ababa to Bishoftu in 1946. Emperor Haile Selassie also built a palace in the town, named Fairfield after his wartime home in exile in the town of Bath, England. Bishoftu is a melting pot of cultures, with the majority of the inhabitants practicing Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, while others practice Protestantism and Islam. The city is home to the National Veterinary Institute of Ethiopia, the leading veterinary vaccine research and production center currently producing more than 20 livestock vaccines. Bishoftu is also home to several major businesses, including the Ada Flour and Pasta Factory, the Pasqua Giuseppe PLC, the Salmida Leather Products Manufacturing, Ratson (Women Youth Children Development Programme), and Winrock International Ethiopia. Whether you’re looking to explore the town’s rich history, soak up the stunning natural scenery, or simply relax and unwind in a tranquil setting, Bishoftu has something for everyone. Come and discover the magic of this hidden gem for yourself!