Hawassa

Hawassa sits on the eastern shore of the lake of the same name and is one of the more pleasant Ethiopian cities to spend a day in: a lakeside promenade under fig trees, wide streets, a warm climate and a relaxed pace. The fish market on the shore starts before dawn, when boats land tilapia and catfish and the fish are gutted and fried on the spot; marabou storks, pelicans and kites crowd the cleaning tables waiting for scraps, and the mix of birds, boats and traders makes it the thing to see here. Elsewhere, the lakeside park has hippos in the reeds, and Amora Gedel is the walking and viewing spot. The city is the gateway to the south, and the road on leads to Arba Minch and the Omo.

History

Hawassa, historically known as Adare, takes its name from a Sidama word meaning "wide body of water". In 1957 Emperor Haile Selassie took a keen interest in founding a town here, on the main highway from Addis Ababa to Moyale, on flat ground suited to building, with the lake and Dume hill as its backdrop, and in 1958 a seasonal palace was built for him by the lake at Kutuwa. The vice district governorate moved here from Hawella Tulla in 1960, a municipality was founded in 1962, and the airport opened in 1988; the city is now the capital of the Sidama Region and home to Hawassa University, at an elevation of 1,708 metres (Wikipedia, Hawassa).

The main sights

• The dawn fish market - boats landing, fish cleaned and fried on the shore.
• Marabous and pelicans - birds crowding the cleaning tables for scraps.
• The lakeside promenade - the walking route under fig trees.
• Hippos - animals in the reeds along the shore.

When to go

October to March for the driest weather. The fish market runs from before dawn to mid-morning and is the reason to be up early. The lakeside is pleasant year round; the rains fall mainly from June to September.

Before you go

The fish market is a working place, wet and messy, and photography of traders needs asking. Marabou storks are large, aggressive scavengers and not to be approached. Hippos are dangerous and the shore should be treated accordingly after dark. Traffic in the city is heavy.

Nearby

Wondo Genet lies east; Arba Minch is southwest.

Key facts