Solo Female Travel in Awassa
Awassa, also known as Hawassa, is a vibrant city located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region of Ethiopia, about 275 km drive south of the nation's capital, Addis Ababa. Renowned for its ethereal beauty, Awassa is nestled on the shore of Lake Awassa, a serene body of water that is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The city is most known for its captivating natural attractions, including its bustling fish market where you can witness local fishermen in action and the captivating Lake Awassa with its hippos, kingfishers, and countless other bird species. Besides its natural beauty, Awassa offers a rich cultural experience, with the Sidama people's unique traditions and history adding to the city's allure. Moreover, the city is also a hub for agricultural research and hosts two of Ethiopia's prominent universities.
Travel rating
Meet new people
Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.
Travel index
Safety:Safe
Awassa generally expresses a welcoming and hospitable environment to solo female travelers. It's a peaceful town with a friendly local community. However, like many other travel destinations, it's imperative to practice common safety measures such as avoiding deserted areas at night, staying aware of surroundings, and, of course, respecting local norms and traditions. In professional transactions, like dealing with accommodation and transport, it's preferable to get trustworthy local recommendations to ensure reliability.
Transport:Moderate
Awassa is moderately navigable for female solo travelers. Most parts are accessible by foot and local transportation is available, but you may face language barriers as English is not widely spoken. It's advisable to have a local guide or navigation app for assistance. Exercise caution at night as with any unknown place.
Things to do:Interesting
Awassa is a vibrant city brimming with cultural experiences and a magnificent array of natural landmarks. The city attract visitors with its beautiful lake, diverse wildlife including hippos and monkeys, and stunning birds everywhere. The Hawassa Fish Market is a memorable place to visit to understand local life. The food scene in the city is thriving with unique Ethiopian dishes. Nature lovers can have a serene time walking through parks and sanctuaries. It may lack in terms of modern entertainment and attractions, but it offers rich cultural attractions and scenic beauty to make sure you have an enjoyable visit.
Food:Above average
The food in Awassa is a rich mix of diverse local dishes. Expect to delight in traditional Ethiopian meals such as Injera, Doro Wot, and Kitfo. However, the food reflects the local flavor which means it might be quite spicy for some. Fresh fish and native fruits are plentiful due to its lakeside location. International cuisine options may be limited but the uniqueness and richness of the local food more than compensates for it.
Budget:Moderate
Awassa provides a moderate level of budget-friendliness. Most accommodations are fairly priced, and one can find several options for cheap local food. However, certain activities and transportation may elevate your costs slightly. Therefore, depending on the kind of traveler you are, you may need to keep an eye on your spending to maintain a budget travel experience.
Is Awassa worth visiting?
No experience found
We can make the world a safer place for women traveling solo. Be the first to share your experience and help us empower more women through travel.Explore Ethiopia
