ቐላይ ላንጋኖ

Lake Langano is the Rift Valley lake where swimming is normal, unlike some of the soda lakes nearby. Resorts sit under acacia on the east shore. Birds use the wetlands, and Abijatta-Shalla National Park is next door if you want a crater rim and flamingos rather than a beach afternoon.

It is a weekend trip from Addis Ababa, about four hours, or a stop between the capital and Hawassa. Book a lakeside hotel if the point of the night is the shore.