Lake Langano is one of the Rift Valley lakes south of Addis Ababa and one of the few places in Ethiopia where visitors swim and relax by the water. It lies in the Oromia Region, roughly 200 kilometres by road south of the capital, on the border between the Misraq Shewa and Arsi zones, and it makes an easy overnight trip or a stop on the way to the Bale Mountains or the south. This page explains what the lake is like, what you can do there and how to plan a visit.
Photo: Nina R from Africa, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
Photo: Sakari A. Maaranen, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The lake
Langano sits in the Main Ethiopian Rift at about 1,585 metres above sea level, east of Lake Abijatta. According to figures published by the Central Statistical Agency, it is about 18 kilometres long and 16 kilometres wide, with a surface area of about 230 square kilometres and a maximum depth of 46 metres. The Hora Kallo river drains the lake into neighbouring Lake Abijatta. The first European to record the lake, Oscar Neumann, noted that it was also known as Lake Kore.
The water is brown, and at first sight you may think the lake is dirty. The colour comes from the sediments and minerals in the water, not from pollution, and many people believe the water has healing properties. The lake is also said to be free of bilharzia (schistosomiasis), unlike most other freshwater lakes in Ethiopia, which is the main reason it is popular for swimming. Visitors should still ask their hotel about local advice, and avoid swimming in other lakes and rivers.
Things to do
- Swim and relax. The beaches at the lakeside lodges are the main draw, especially on weekends, when families come from Addis Ababa.
- Water sports. Some resorts offer boats and other activities. Ask on arrival.
- Birdwatching. The lake and the surrounding woodland attract a wide variety of birds, and early morning is the best time. Monkeys, baboons and warthogs are often seen near the resorts, and hippos live in parts of the lake but are rarely seen.
- Walks and horse rides. The countryside around the lake and the foothills of the Arsi highlands offer easy walking.
- Nearby parks. Abijatta-Shalla National Park lies close by, with two other Rift Valley lakes that are known for water birds. See Ethiopia’s national parks.
The land around the lake is largely cleared of forest, and many herders live in the area, so you will see cattle and farms as well as wild animals.
Earthquakes and the geyser
The lake lies in an active rift. Two earthquakes had their epicentres near it, in 1906 (magnitude 6.8) and in 1985 (magnitude 6.2). After the 1906 earthquake, a geyser 25 to 30 metres tall formed on Edo Laki island in the northern part of the lake. It disappeared some time around 1966 to 1970, leaving a hot spring.
Getting there
The road from Addis Ababa to Langano is paved, and the drive takes about four to five hours depending on traffic and stops. Most visitors travel by hired car with a driver or by an organised tour. Buses run to the towns nearby, such as Shashamene and Ziway, but the last stretch to the lake shore needs a local connection. Check the current road conditions with your hotel or driver.
When to go
The dry season, from about October to February, is the best time for the lakes, with sunny days and clear skies. Heavy rain falls from June to September, and the roads and paths can become slippery. Weekends are busy, and the lodges are quieter on weekdays. Book early for holiday weekends. See when to visit and Ethiopian seasons.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. The sun is strong at this altitude.
- A hat, sunglasses and insect repellent.
- Binoculars for the birds.
- Cash in birr, since card acceptance is unpredictable in this region. See using foreign cards and ATMs.
- Medicines and advice on malaria for the Rift Valley from your doctor. See health and medical care.
Combining Langano with other places
Langano is one of several Rift Valley stops south of Addis Ababa. Closer to the city are the crater lakes of Bishoftu and the hot springs of Sodere. Further south-east lie the Bale Mountains, and Lake Hawassa is covered in the Hawassa guide. A route from Addis Ababa to Bale can be broken at Langano for a night.
Last checked: 25 October 2026.
Langano is one of several Rift Valley lakes south of Addis Ababa. Closer to the city are the crater lakes of Bishoftu and the hot springs of Sodere; further south-east lie the Bale Mountains. The dry season is the best time for the lakes.
