Awassa Hotels

Top reasons to visit Awassa

• Stunning Lakes: Awassa is renowned for its beautiful lakes, particularly Lake Awasa and Lake Hawassa, perfect for beach activities and scenic relaxation.
• Outdoor Adventures: The area offers a wealth of opportunities for wildlife experiences, boating, and various outdoor games, appealing to adventure enthusiasts.
• Cultural Immersion: Visitors can engage with local culture along the vibrant shores of Lake Awassa, ensuring a rich and friendly experience.
• Educational Hub: Explore Hawassa University, a picturesque site that combines knowledge and beauty.
• Welcoming Accommodation: Awassa boasts a range of excellent hotels and lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay for all travellers.

Find great hotels in Awassa

Discover the charm of Awassa with a range of excellent accommodation options, including hotels and lodges that cater to both business and leisure travellers. From the serene Aregash Lodge to the modern Hawassa Hotel and the inviting Lewi Hotels, you will find the perfect base for your family vacation or spa retreat. Experience the warm hospitality of Awassa while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Sīdama.

• Haile Resort Hawassa: A luxurious 4-star retreat, Haile Resort Hawassa offers an inviting atmosphere ideal for families and business travellers alike. With a remarkable guest rating of 9.4, this resort features a family-friendly environment with a variety of children's amenities, such as a mini golf course, playground, arcade game room, and a dedicated children's pool. For relaxation, guests can indulge in the full-service spa, which includes a waterslide, body scrubs, reflexology, steam room, and an outdoor pool, ensuring a rejuvenating experience amidst the stunning surroundings of Awassa.
• Lewi Resort and Spa: This charming 3.5-star hotel is a serene oasis for those seeking a spa-themed retreat. Located in the heart of Awassa, Lewi Resort and Spa is designed for both relaxation and business travel. The hotel features an array of spa services, including a steam room, poolside bar, sun loungers, and Swedish massage treatments, allowing guests to unwind in style. With its tranquil atmosphere and attentive service, this resort provides an excellent setting for both relaxation and productivity.
• Kerawi International Hotel: A 3.5-star establishment, Kerawi International Hotel caters primarily to business travellers, providing a professional and welcoming environment. Located in Awassa, this hotel offers essential amenities and facilities tailored for those on work commitments. While focusing on business, guests can still enjoy the comfort and convenience of well-appointed rooms and attentive service, making it a suitable choice for a productive stay in the area.

Where to stay near Awassa

Awassa, a charming city in Sīdama, Ethiopia, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, perfect for a romantic getaway. Explore the vibrant shores of Lake Awassa, where you can experience local culture and friendly interactions. Don't miss visiting Hawassa University, a hub of knowledge and beauty, and the picturesque surroundings that make this region a must-see destination for any traveller seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion.

• Shashamane: Located approximately 24km from Awassa, Shashamane is a vibrant city known for its stunning outdoor scenery and welcoming atmosphere. The city attracts visitors seeking family-friendly experiences amidst natural beauty. Highlights include the nearby national state park, picturesque lakes, and lush parks that invite outdoor activities. The peak travel months of January and July to August witness an influx of tourists eager to explore the area's rich landscapes and cultural heritage.
• Irgalem: Situated around 34km from Awassa, Irgalem is a city steeped in culture and education. This charming destination sees a moderate number of travellers, particularly between April and June. Visitors flock to Irgalem for its cultural themed experiences and urban vibe. Notably, the local modern college university serves as a hub for learning and exploration. The city's blend of educational institutions and cultural landmarks makes it an excellent spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
• Wondo Genet: Just 18km from Awassa, Wondo Genet is a hidden gem renowned for its natural hot springs and recreational activities. The city enjoys a steady flow of tourists, with peaks in May and December to January. Visitors can indulge in spa treatments, take refreshing swims, or engage in birdwatching amidst the beautiful landscapes. With a university nearby, Wondo Genet offers a vibrant atmosphere combined with opportunities for relaxation and adventure, making it a delightful stop on your Ethiopian journey.

Things to do in Awassa

Shopping

In Awassa, visit the bustling Awassa Fish Market, where you can find fresh seafood and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, check out the Hawassa Mall, about 16km away, featuring shops and eateries in a modern setting, perfect for a relaxed shopping experience.

Recreation

Explore the serene shores of Lake Awassa, where you can enjoy leisurely boat rides and birdwatching. Visit local wellness centres for traditional Ethiopian massages and yoga classes, immersing yourself in the tranquil atmosphere while connecting with nature and local culture.

Adventure

Explore Lake Awassa, where you can enjoy boat rides and birdwatching, witnessing various species in their natural habitat. Visit the vibrant fish market nearby for a taste of local culture and indulge in fresh seafood while enjoying the lakeside scenery.

Nightlife

Awassa’s nightlife is vibrant, featuring venues like the lively Abay Restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Ethiopian music and dance. The serene lakeside bars offer a relaxed atmosphere for sipping local drinks, while nightclubs like Saba provide a pulsating dance floor for those seeking a lively evening out.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Awassa

To save money during your trip to Awassa, consider visiting in January, September, or November when prices are lower. Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days for accommodation, while Mondays are pricier. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and filter for eco-certified options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine hotel stays with flights and activities for further savings. Exploring Awassa on foot is also a cost-effective way to experience the area. Make sure to keep an eye out for eligible discounts and special offers.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Awassa are January, September and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, April and August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Awassa is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Awassa is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear at the top. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your Awassa hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Awassa

Awassa, located in the Sīdama region of Ethiopia, is perfect for outdoor and romantic getaways, offering stunning scenery and a relaxing atmosphere. The main attractions revolve around its beautiful lakes, including Lake Awasa and Lake Hawassa, ideal for beach activities and scenic experiences. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of nature and relaxation.

• Lake Awasa: Enjoy serene beaches and stunning scenery at this picturesque lake, ideal for outdoor activities and romantic strolls, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Best time to go to Awassa

The best time to visit Awassa can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Awassa falls in March, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Awassa falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	66.6°F (19.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	68.9°F (20.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	69.8°F (21.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	68.2°F (20.1°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	65.3°F (18.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	63.0°F (17.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
September	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
October	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Awassa

Accessing Awassa in Sīdama, Ethiopia is convenient via Awassa Airport (AWA), situated 8km from the city centre. Nearby, excellent accommodation options include the 4-star Haile Resort Hawassa and Central Hawassa hotel, both 10km away, offering airport shuttle services on request. Lewi Resort and Spa, a 3.5-star establishment, is only 8km from AWA and provides free airport transportation. Alternatively, Arba Mintch Airport (AMH), located 148km from Awassa, offers further hotel choices like the Emerald Resort Arbaminch and Haile Resort Arbaminch, both 5km away, featuring free shuttle services and round-the-clock airport transfers.