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Ethiopia:
Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes
The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes form the northernmost section of the African Rift Valley. In central Ethiopia the Great Rift Valley splits the Ethiopian highlands into northern and southern halves, and the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes occupy the floor of the rift valley between the two highlands. Most of the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes do not have an outlet and as such form small pockets of water in the land which the local people have come to live off.
Arbaminch, located near the shores of Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya (the longest rift valley lake in Ethiopia), is the biggest town in the region and just outside Nech Sar National Park. The town is very attractive, as is the surrounding geography. Lake Abaya is divided from Lake Chamo with a hill known as “the bridge of heaven”, due to the wonderful views from the top.
Around the rivers and lakes you will find the Ganjulle and Gujji tribes, who live primarily from the resources these lakes provide. Crocodile populations are high and the crocodile market at the mouth of the Kulfo River is an incredible sight to visit, as is the crocodile farm on the shores of Lake Abaya.
This area has a great abundance of bird life and you will find a multitude of species from savannah to water bird species, reflecting the different habitats within the park. Due to the volcanic origin of the region you also find natural hot springs and spa's in the area of Arbaminch.
In and around Arbaminch
Nech Sar National Park is ideal for game drives, while Lake Abaya offers excellent boat safaris. There are a number of possible hiking routes in the region.
quicklinks > request itinerary : other regions in Ethiopia
Other regions in Ethiopia
Axum is a city in northern Ethiopia named after the long lived Kingdom of Aksum, a naval and trading power that ruled from 400 BC into the 10th century - nearly 1,500 years.
Bahir Dar is situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.
The Bale Mountains National Park, which protects over 2,400 square kilometres of pristine plains, woodlands and bush land, is home to a multitude of unique flora and fauna species, as well as several endemic species of mammal.
The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes are the northernmost of the African Rift Valley lakes.
Gondar, which used to be the royal capital city of Ethiopia from 1666 to 1864, was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in 1635.
Harar is considered a Muslim holy city, and within its walls are no less then 90 mosques.
Lalibela, formerly known as Roha, is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities
The Omo River Valley in south western Ethiopia is home to a number of tribes, living life much like they have for centuries.
The Simiens, which includes Ras Deshen is Ethiopia's highest mountain, are in the north-western corner of the country.
