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Ethiopia🇪🇹 | national parksAbijatta-Shalla Lakes National ParkSoda flats, flamingo shallows, Shalla hot springs, crater lake | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Abijatta-Shalla Lakes
🌟 Highlightnational park ranked #8
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park is not a wildlife park with big cats; it is a lake and hot-spring landscape with birds, small antelope and zebra at best. It lies in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, south of Addis Ababa, between the towns of Ziway and Shashemene. Abijatta is shallow and soda-crusted, while Shalla is deep, with islands and steaming vents along the shore. Flamingos and pelicans crowd the shallows, and tracks are quiet but rough. On the shore I expected silence, yet the rows of pink flamingos made a constant low honking, like a distant traffic jam. The lakes are easy to reach by road, though shade is scarce and facilities are basic. Bring all your water and food from Langano or Shashemene.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Ethiopia Travel Guide.
Safety warning

The current risk level for Ethiopia is high. Check the advice before going.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #8 national park in EthiopiaWhy visitors keep coming back

Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park suits backpackers who like to plan their own day rather than follow a guide and a fixed itinerary. Its two lakes sit side by side, so you can compare a flat, pale soda lake with a deep crater lake in a few hours. Trails are informal, so you choose how far to wander along the shore, and few people will be around.

The main draw is the hot springs on the shore of Lake Shalla, where steam rises from vents and locals bathe and boil eggs. The second is the flamingo flocks on Lake Abijatta, which can number in the thousands when conditions are right. Getting around is simple if you hire a local minibus or bajaj from the nearby towns and agree on a return time. You pay your own way and keep full control of the pace, which is the real appeal here.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. Lake Shalla hot springs: Boiling vents and pools on the shore, where steam drifts across the crater rim and locals use them for bathing.
  2. Lake Abijatta flamingos: Greater and lesser flamingos feed in the shallows, best watched from a distance as the flock moves together.
  3. Lake Shalla crater views: At roughly 260 meters deep, it is one of the deepest lakes in the Rift Valley, with steep walls and a deep blue surface.
  4. Shalla islands: Rocky islands hold nesting pelicans and cormorants, visible from the shore.
  5. Soda flats of Abijatta: A white, crusted shoreline that crunches underfoot and shimmers on bright days.
  6. Rift Valley birdlife: White pelicans, storks, ibis and eagles can be seen along the lakes and acacia edges.
  7. Grant’s gazelle and Burchell’s zebra: Small herds graze on the grassy plains between
… read more 👉
  1. Lake Shalla hot springs: Boiling vents and pools on the shore, where steam drifts across the crater rim and locals use them for bathing.
  2. Lake Abijatta flamingos: Greater and lesser flamingos feed in the shallows, best watched from a distance as the flock moves together.
  3. Lake Shalla crater views: At roughly 260 meters deep, it is one of the deepest lakes in the Rift Valley, with steep walls and a deep blue surface.
  4. Shalla islands: Rocky islands hold nesting pelicans and cormorants, visible from the shore.
  5. Soda flats of Abijatta: A white, crusted shoreline that crunches underfoot and shimmers on bright days.
  6. Rift Valley birdlife: White pelicans, storks, ibis and eagles can be seen along the lakes and acacia edges.
  7. Grant’s gazelle and Burchell’s zebra: Small herds graze on the grassy plains between the lakes.
  8. Acacia woodland walks: Shaded paths on the park’s edge offer a calmer way to spot birds and monkeys.
The soda flats and shoreline walks cost nothing beyond the park entry, which makes them the cheapest highlight.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Dry Season (November to February): The most dependable window for walking and camping. Days run 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F), nights drop to 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F), and the Rift Valley floor is dusty but clear. Flamingos and pelicans gather on both lakes, and the hot springs on the Abijatta shore are comfortable at dawn.
  • Short Rains (March to May): Showers turn dirt tracks slick and the sky hazy. Highs reach 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F) and you get green grass and fewer people.
  • Main Rains (June to September): Cloudy, cooler at 20 to 26°C (68 to 79°F), with muddy roads and poor visibility. Lodges around Lake Langano drop rates, and you will often have trails to yourself.
  • Holidays: Ethiopian Christmas in early January and Timkat in mid-January fill Langano lodges with weekend crowds, and prices rise.
Daylight … read more 👉
  • Dry Season (November to February): The most dependable window for walking and camping. Days run 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F), nights drop to 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F), and the Rift Valley floor is dusty but clear. Flamingos and pelicans gather on both lakes, and the hot springs on the Abijatta shore are comfortable at dawn.
  • Short Rains (March to May): Showers turn dirt tracks slick and the sky hazy. Highs reach 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F) and you get green grass and fewer people.
  • Main Rains (June to September): Cloudy, cooler at 20 to 26°C (68 to 79°F), with muddy roads and poor visibility. Lodges around Lake Langano drop rates, and you will often have trails to yourself.
  • Holidays: Ethiopian Christmas in early January and Timkat in mid-January fill Langano lodges with weekend crowds, and prices rise.
Daylight stays close to 12 hours all year, so start walking early to beat the midday heat on the exposed lakeshore.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: below average for travelingJUNJune: below average for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Ethiopia

Most backpackers sleep outside the park in Ziway, Shashemene or along Lake Langano, and visit by day or camp inside. Inside Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park, the only option is basic camping at designated sites near the park headquarters and the Lake Abijatta shore. Bring your own tent, food and water, since there are no shops. Scouts from the park office can be arranged for walks.

Lake Langano, about 20 to 30 minutes from the park gate, has the best range. Simple lakeside camping runs US$5 to 10 a person, and basic rooms start around US$15 to 30. Several resorts there offer bungalows from … read more 👉
Most backpackers sleep outside the park in Ziway, Shashemene or along Lake Langano, and visit by day or camp inside. Inside Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park, the only option is basic camping at designated sites near the park headquarters and the Lake Abijatta shore. Bring your own tent, food and water, since there are no shops. Scouts from the park office can be arranged for walks.

Lake Langano, about 20 to 30 minutes from the park gate, has the best range. Simple lakeside camping runs US$5 to 10 a person, and basic rooms start around US$15 to 30. Several resorts there offer bungalows from US$50 to 90, with lake access for swimming (the water is brown but bilharzia-free by local reputation). Bale-bound travelers often stay in Shashemene, roughly an hour away, where guesthouses cost US$8 to 20 a night and minibuses run constantly. Ziway to the north is a good alternative with bird-rich shores and similar prices. Hotels in Arsi Negele, close to the Shalla side, are very basic but cheap.
Best hostels in Ethiopia


Best quality hotels in Ethiopia

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Abijatta-Shalla Lakes

A realistic budget for Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park is about US$40 to 55 per day, including the fee and camping. The park costs far less if you share vehicle and scout costs among a group.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$3 to 10Foreigners pay a per-person fee at the gate, plus small charges for a vehicle and camping.
Scout/guideUS$10 to 20Recommended for walks to the hot springs and Shalla shore, and paid per day.
Accommodation (high season)US$8 to 20Camping or a basic room in Langano or Shashemene. Resorts cost more.
Accommodation (low season)US$5 to 15Rates fall during the rains.
Local transportUS$3 to 10Minibuses from Shashemene or Arsi Negele run to the main road, and a shared bajaj or hired car covers the rest.
Food and suppliesUS$6 to 12Simple meals in town cost US$2
… read more 👉
A realistic budget for Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park is about US$40 to 55 per day, including the fee and camping. The park costs far less if you share vehicle and scout costs among a group.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$3 to 10Foreigners pay a per-person fee at the gate, plus small charges for a vehicle and camping.
Scout/guideUS$10 to 20Recommended for walks to the hot springs and Shalla shore, and paid per day.
Accommodation (high season)US$8 to 20Camping or a basic room in Langano or Shashemene. Resorts cost more.
Accommodation (low season)US$5 to 15Rates fall during the rains.
Local transportUS$3 to 10Minibuses from Shashemene or Arsi Negele run to the main road, and a shared bajaj or hired car covers the rest.
Food and suppliesUS$6 to 12Simple meals in town cost US$2 to 4, and you need to bring supplies for camping.
Total Daily BudgetUS$40 to 55Based on high-season lodging, scout, fee and basic food.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsWhere to hike in Abijatta-Shalla Lakes: trails for every level

Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park has no formal trail network, so most walks follow shoreline tracks and old vehicle routes from the park entrance and the hot springs.
  • Hot springs shoreline walk: A flat walk of 1 to 2 hours along Lake Shalla from the springs, easy, with loose gravel, steam vents and views across the crater.
  • Abijatta flamingo walk: Follow the shore from the lake edge for 2 to 3 hours, easy but fully exposed, over white soda crust and mud that can be sticky after rain.
  • Plains and acacia loop: A moderate half-day wander between the lakes through grassland and thorn trees, good for
… read more 👉
Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park has no formal trail network, so most walks follow shoreline tracks and old vehicle routes from the park entrance and the hot springs.
  • Hot springs shoreline walk: A flat walk of 1 to 2 hours along Lake Shalla from the springs, easy, with loose gravel, steam vents and views across the crater.
  • Abijatta flamingo walk: Follow the shore from the lake edge for 2 to 3 hours, easy but fully exposed, over white soda crust and mud that can be sticky after rain.
  • Plains and acacia loop: A moderate half-day wander between the lakes through grassland and thorn trees, good for zebra, gazelle and birds.
Terrain is flat to gently rolling, with little shade, so start early and carry plenty of water. Wildlife sightings are modest but steady, and birds are the main event. Walking near the hot springs needs care because the ground can be hot and unstable.

The park lies along the main Rift Valley road, so buses between Addis Ababa and Hawassa pass nearby, and you can continue by local minibus or bajaj to the entrance. Crowds are very light, apart from local visitors at the hot springs on weekends. An entrance fee applies, and you pay in local currency. A local scout is often needed for access and safety, so arrange one at the gate.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Abijatta-Shalla is a low-risk park, and the main hazards are sun, heat and thirst on open, shadeless terrain. Carry at least 3 liters of water per person, since the lakes are alkaline and undrinkable, and wear a hat and sun protection. Trails are mostly flat and easy, but the soft shoreline mud near the lakes can trap shoes, and the hot springs can scald, so test the water first. Hyenas, warthogs, Grant’s gazelles and baboons live nearby. Keep food sealed, and do not feed or approach animals. Hire a park scout if you plan to go off the main tracks, as route signs are limited. Leave valuables locked at your lodging, as petty theft happens in nearby towns. Check regional security conditions with locals before travel, and start walks early.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

One full day covers the highlights of Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park, though two days let you camp and walk without rushing. Plan on roughly 3 to 4 hours for the Abijatta shore, flamingo viewing and the hot springs. Add a half day for the deep Lake Shalla crater and its steaming vents. Many travelers fold it into a 3 to 4 day loop with Lake Langano and Bale.
Yes, you can reach Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park without a car, but you will need a mix of buses and local rides. Minibuses from Addis Ababa to Shashemene or Arsi Negele take about 4 to 5 hours and cost US$4 to 7. From the main highway, shared bajaj or a hired local vehicle covers the last 10 to 30 kilometers for around US$5 to 15. Hiking with a scout is the usual way to move around inside the park.
Yes, Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park charges an entrance fee, paid in birr at the park gate. Foreign adults typically pay about US$3 to 10, with extra small fees for vehicles, camping (around US$2 to 5 a night) and a scout. No special permit is needed for day visits. Bring cash, since there are no card facilities at the gate.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park is at its best in the early morning, when flamingos feed in the shallows of Abijatta and the hot springs on Shalla’s shore are quiet. Go between November and February, when the tracks stay dry and the air is clear. I would bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes, and start walking before the midday glare.

✈️ When did I visit Ethiopia?
Ethiopia I visited back in October 2017. I combined the trip with a visit to Sudan. Ethiopia was a pure surprise with the magical scenery like the Danakil Depression and the Simien Mountains.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ethiopia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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