More Than Just Water

The park isn't just about getting wet. The Fekat Circus brings live acrobatic performances and entertainment into the mix—a distinctly Ethiopian touch you won't find at most water parks. There's a Food Court serving meals and snacks for hungry swimmers, and a Gift Shop where you can take home a souvenir from your visit.↗

The resort setting means you can extend your day beyond the water park: Kuriftu Bishoftu's lakefront location on one of the crater lakes offers kayaking, open-air cinema under the stars, and spa facilities for those who prefer a quieter pace.

The Setting

Kuriftu Water Park sits on the northern tip of Bishoftu, a volcanic-lake town long beloved by Addis Ababans as a weekend escape. The grounds are landscaped with greenery and shaded areas, so even on a blazing highland sun day you can retreat under trees or in cabanas. The resort itself is part of a chain founded by entrepreneur Tadiwos Belete, whose flagship Bishoftu property opened in 2007 as Ethiopia's first five-star resort.↗↗

Practical Information

The park operates daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Plan at least three hours to enjoy the slides, wave pool, and attractions without rushing. Kuriftu periodically runs pre-sale ticket promotions (especially around school break periods in May through July), so check their website for seasonal deals before you go.↗↗

Entry is around 2,500 birr per person at standard pricing (as of late 2024), though bundled packages including food and entertainment start from roughly 1,250 birr. The park is about 53.8 km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, making it a straightforward drive or RIDE-partner transport for visitors arriving in the capital.↗↗

The park provides wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and parking, along with wheelchair rental, so visitors with mobility needs can enjoy the grounds.↗

What Visitors Say

Families consistently highlight the variety of slides and the wave pool as standouts. Reviewers note that the staff are friendly and helpful, and the food is satisfying. Some mention that the park can get very busy on peak weekends—visiting on a weekday or early in the day gives you more breathing room on the slides. A few travellers have flagged the pricing as steep relative to local incomes, though bundled packages ease the cost.↗