Rift Valley Lakes

Introducing Rift Valley Lakes

Africa’s renowned Rift Valley cuts through the south, and hosts lakes, astounding birdlife and national parks.

Less than 180km from Addis Ababa is a cluster of four Rift Valley lakes: Lake Ziway, Lake Abiata, Lake Shala and Lake Langano. While they’re all known as havens for bird-watching, only Lake Langano has the double benefit of being safe for swimming (bilharzia and crocodile free). The volcanic Lake Shala, part of Lake Abiata-Shala National Park (admission per 48hr Birr50), is easily the most attractive, with trails leading to lookouts.

Awasa, southern Ethiopia’s largest city, is 100km further south and sits on the shores of attractive Lake Awasa. With plenty of facilities, a great fish market and row boats to boot, Awasa is a great place to stop.

The wildest and most attractive of southern Ethiopia’s lakes must be Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. They are ringed by savannah plains, loaded with crocodiles and divided by the ‘Bridge of God’, which hosts Ethiopia’s best safari opportunity, Nechisar National Park (admission Birr70, vehicle Birr20), as well as the infamous crocodile market.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009