Overview
Hawassa is a growing resort town on the eastern shore of Lake Awasa, offering a slower pace than Addis Ababa with direct lakeside access. Tourism is mostly local, but it is a common stop for Cairo-to-Cape Town overland travelers.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature
Before you go
Connectivity
WiFi available at some hotels and cafes. Mobile data available but may be slow.
Money
Ethiopian Birr is the local currency. Dashen Bank on Piazza Rd has a Visa and MasterCard ATM. Most transactions are cash-based.
Safety
Be cautious cycling near children on the lake shore. Standard urban precautions apply in Hawassa.
Transport
Walking is ideal for the compact town center. Blue motorbike rickshaws cost only a few birr anywhere in town.
