Hora Crater Lake | The Sacred Lake of the Oromo People

Just 40 km from Addis Ababa, near the town of Debre Zeit (Bishoftu), lies a cluster of stunning volcanic lakes. While Bishoftu Lake and Bishoftu Guda Lake are more developed (with hotels and resorts), the most culturally significant is Hora Lake—a spiritual center for the Oromo people. 🌿 Why It’s Special📍 Sacred Site: Every October, the Oromo celebrate Irreecha (Thanksgiving) here, making Hora a revered, untouched lake. Zero Commercialization: Unlike neighboring lakes, Hora remains wild—no resorts, just raw beauty.📍 📍 Getting There Drive: ~1 hour from Addis via highway (Google Maps: Hora Lake). Boat Ride: 200 ETB/person (small wooden canoes). First visit: We were barred from the lakeshore during a ritual, despite official permission. Second visit: Friendly picnickers welcomed us. 2️⃣ Unpredictable vibes—this isn’t a tourist zone. Respect traditions and travel with a guide.📍 #Ethiopia #OromoCulture #SacredLakes #AfricaTravel