Bishoftu Is located 47.9 kilometres (29.8 mi) southeast of Addis Ababa along its route 4 highway. It is a resort town, known for its several lakes. It was formerly known as Debre Zeyit (Mount of Olives). However, since the late 1990s, it has been officially known by the Oromo name, Bishoftu from bishaanooftuu (which translates to watery), which was its name until 1955. The town serves as the primary airbase of the Ethiopian Air Force.

A popular weekend resort center for foreign visitors and locals from Addis Ababa. main attraction is the chain of beautiful crater lakes set within steep volcanic calderas. The most popular lakes in the vicinity of Bishoftu are Lake Bishoftu and Lake Hora.

Lake Hora is the site where the colorful cultural Thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people is celebrated.