Sodere

Sodere has long been the premier weekend getaway destination for residents of Addis Ababa and travelers looking to unwind. Situated along the banks of the Awash River, the town is celebrated for its natural volcanic hot springs. Visitors come to soak in the large therapeutic swimming pools and private baths, which are believed to have immense healing properties. The lush resort grounds are filled with ancient trees and wandering wildlife. The environment is incredibly lively, characterized by dense riverine forest that provides a sanctuary for hundreds of playful vervet monkeys and baboons. Crocodiles can also be spotted sunbathing on the riverbanks. The local resorts offer a range of Ethiopian and international cuisines, with freshly roasted coffee being a highlight after a relaxing soak in the thermal waters. Sodere is easily accessible via a well-paved road from the capital, taking roughly two hours by car. The resort area is fantastic to visit year-round, as the hot springs offer warmth even during the cooler, rainy months of summer, though the dry season allows for better wildlife viewing along the river.

Nearby cities

Adama

A vibrant economic metropolis and a major transportation hub on the way to Djibouti.

Lake Awasa

Lake Awasa is a scenic freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, renowned for its rich birdlife and vibrant fish market.

Jimma

The largest city in southwestern Ethiopia, historically a major center of the coffee trade.

Shashamane

A city internationally known for its Rastafari community, to whom Emperor Haile Selassie gifted land.

Bishoftu

A town southeast of Addis Ababa, known for its numerous crater lakes.

Nekemte

A major commercial center in western Ethiopia with a thriving agricultural economy.

Asella

An agricultural town known for being the home of many Ethiopian long-distance runners.

Ambo

A town west of Addis Ababa famous for its natural mineral water.

Batu

Also known as Ziway, this is a town on the shores of Lake Ziway in the Great Rift Valley.

Meki

A town in the Oromia Region, located north of Lake Ziway.

Negele Borana

A town in southern Ethiopia, serving as an important center for the Borana people.

Goba

A high-altitude city in the Oromia region and the main starting point for the Bale Mountains National Park.

Dembidolo

A market town in western Ethiopia, capital of the Kellem Welega Zone.

Metu

A historic town in the west, once a major market for coffee and honey.

Fiche

The administrative town of the North Shewa Zone in Oromia, north of Addis Ababa.

History & landmarks

Awash

Awash is renowned for its national park, majestic river gorge, and its significance as a cradle of early human civilization.

Nature

More places

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Wonji-Shoa Sugar Factory

A historic sugar factory that laid the foundation for the Ethiopian sugar industry.

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Adama Industrial Park

A major production center for textile, apparel, and machinery industries on the main route to Djibouti.

Adama Wind Farm

A large wind farm contributing significantly to meeting the energy needs of Ethiopia's growing industry.

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Wonji Sugar Plantation

The center of historic sugar production along the Awash River.

Mount Abu

A prominent peak in the Ethiopian highlands.

Modjo Dry Port

Ethiopia's primary dry port, handling a large majority of the nation's import and export goods.

Kuriftu Water Park

The largest water park in Ethiopia with numerous slides and pools.

Mount Gugu

A prominent peak.