Lake Hawassa is the city's great open space, broad and shallow, with papyrus edges, fishing boats, and a busy population of waterbirds. Fish eagles, pelicans, storks, and kingfishers are common, and hippos are sometimes seen from boats or from quiet parts of the shore.
The lake is best in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the birds are active. Boatmen can arrange short trips, but you can also get a good feel for the place just by walking the shore near the fish market and park.