Lake Hawassa: Ethiopia's lake of love

Lake Hawassa, popularly referred to as the "lake of love" is one of Ethiopia’s natural wonders. The Lake situated in the Southern region of the country is a major tourist attraction and a source of employment for many local youth. CCTV Addis Ababa Correspondent Girum Chala recently visited the Lake of Love and tells us just how it earned itself this romantic title.

It is one of the most beautiful natural gifts of Ethiopia, the locals call it Lake Hawassa, but it is famously known as the lake of love. From every corner of the country people gather to admire the hypnotizing sunset and enjoy the beautiful lake view on board these tiny boats. This is a place where you simply fall in love with nature.

A visitor said, "It is so beautiful. By the way, I came with my co-workers and we had long week of work and here we are passing a good time together. We have a special feeling here."

Lake Hawassa, popularly referred to as the "lake of love" is one of Ethiopia’s natural wonders.

Just 10 years ago this was a dumpsite for Hawassa town residents. At that time, people were not conscious about their environment. However Gizachew and his friends saw an opportunity, they cleaned up the lake and started offering boat rides.

Gizachew Tilahun, Hawassa Lake of love entertainers, said, "10 years ago this place was not preferred for recreation. It was used as an open air lavatory. But our association took the initiative to develop the place and cover it with trees so that it can be used by the public also it became means of income for all of us."

Today, the lake attracts tourists from across the country and the world. Many say Lake Hawassa is the perfect to repair broken hearts, and it’s also the place where lovebirds cement ties.

Nebiyat Abebe, visitor, said, "We came from Addis Abeba with my wife. We came here for a third time. This place is amazing. Every time we come here, we see good changes. The lake gives both of us a pleasure. We love it so much."

Despite its enormous potential, Lake Hawassa is little known. Never mind it is a source of income for many.

Lake Hawassa, popularly referred to as the "lake of love" is one of Ethiopia’s natural wonders.

Girum Chala, Hawassa, said, "This Lake is one of the Examples of Ethiopia’s waters resources. The country should start at least utilizing these resources soon-the resources it had for thousands of years."

Isac Bedassa, Hawassa Lake of love entertainers, said, "I used to work on my own and the income was fine. But now that we are entertaining the public with my colleagues, the income has improved very much. I’m using the money I get from this work to help my family and myself."

The Lake of love that helped the establishment of Hawassa town, still needs better planning to wisely exploit the gift it has. The few privately owned new resorts surrounding the lake are strong signs of progress on this amazing lake. But still this is just a scratch for the lake that can deliver if worked on properly.

Lake Hawassa, popularly referred to as the "lake of love" is one of Ethiopia’s natural wonders.