Founded by Emperor Haile Selassie on the eastern shore of Lake Awasa, 285 km from Addis Ababa, Awasa is a small, dynamic city developing at a steady pace. A key waypoint on an Éthiopie circuit, visitors stop here to discover the celebrated Lake Awasa.

The History of Awasa

Awasa was founded around 1959 by Emperor Haile Selassie. He granted land near the eponymous lake to his 9,000 retired soldiers, offering 40 hectares of arable land for each family of fewer than five members. This initiative marked Awasa's birth, which was administered by Ras Mengesha Sayoum.

The city developed rapidly with the construction of roads, hotels, and an agricultural college. It was divided into different sectors: residential districts and agricultural operations occupied 3,000 hectares, while administrative zones concentrated in a 500-hectare area.

Awasa thrived considerably between 1969 and 1974, when Japanese investors established a textile factory, Italians a timber mill, and the French a vegetable processing plant producing brewery semolina, glucose flour, and oleaginous germs. Agriculture remained among the population's primary activities. Meanwhile, the lake attracted increasing numbers of vacationers with its sandy beaches, fueling regional tourism growth.

During the Derg regime, lands were redistributed and all foreign projects halted. Residents returned to farming. A major collective farm was established, stimulating massive rural migrations. Other government project factories opened, including Awasa Textiles and Tabor Ceramic.

Exploring the City

Awasa is an authentic, vibrant city, embodying the modernity Éthiopie wishes to promote. Tree-lined avenues border the streets, dotted with shops and tea salons. The shores of Lake Awasa are ideal for picnicking or finding peace at sunset. Swimming is unfortunately discouraged due to bilharzia. Instead, enjoy a boat ride to soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The lake also allows you to observe hippos and birds, particularly kingfishers drinking at a marshy inlet. Budget roughly three hours to fully enjoy your nature escape.

Allow approximately 5 hours to reach Awasa from Addis Ababa. Buses depart from Meskel Square daily around 1 p.m. Remember to book your seat a day in advance.

The city is compact enough to explore on foot and appreciate its charm. Tuk-tuks and blue motorbikes are available if walking isn't appealing.

What to See & Do?

• Take a bicycle tour around the lake
• Spot hippos in marshy inlets
• Shop in the city
• Organize a picnic on the lake shore
• Take a boat excursion, and more