Awasa, historically known as Adare, is a city located in Ethiopia on the shores of Lake Hawassa within the Great Rift Valley. It serves as the capital of the Sidama Region and is situated at an elevation of 1,708 meters (5,604 ft) above sea level. The name Awasa originates from a Sidama word that translates to "wide body of water."
The city is positioned along the Trans-African Highway 4 Cairo-Cape Town route. It is located approximately 273 km (170 mi) south of Addis Ababa via Bishoftu, 130 km (81 mi) east of Sodo, and 75 km (47 mi) north of Dilla.