Awassa is a bustling Ethiopian town in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. It is the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region- a melting pot of over 50 distinct tribes all with their own traditions, languages, dress, dance, and culture. The town is built on the shores of beautiful Lake Awassa and is overlooked by Tabor Mountain. Life in Awassa starts at the fish market, as early every morning the fishermen bring home the fresh catch, surrounded by the opportunistic birds of the lake. The abundance and variety of the lake’s birdlife is truly spectacular. A highlight to any day in Awassa would no doubt be taking a boat across the lake to see the hippos, all the while surrounded by birds of every shape and hue, from awesome fish eagles and storks, to the smallest waders and weavers. Awassa is an ideal for weekend or any day trip with the combination of Rift Valley Lake and Wendo Genet