Lakes Region

The Lakes Region of Ethiopia is located within the southwestern section of the country's Rift Valley. This area is an internal drainage basin characterized by numerous small rivers that flow into a chain of lakes, including Lakes Abaya, Abiyata, Awasa, Langano, Shala, Chamo, and Ziway. Together, these lakes cover over 1,200 square miles of water surface.1

Lake Shala, a notable lake in this region, is situated in the Great Rift Valley. It is approximately 16 miles long and 12 miles wide, with depths exceeding 850 feet in some areas. Lake Shala has no outlet, and its water is saline. A hot spring in its northeastern corner is a popular attraction, and the surrounding woodlands support diverse bird species. Lake Shala, along with neighboring Lake Abiyata, is part of the Lake Abiyata–Shala National Park, which is home to over 300 recorded bird species. The climate in the Rift Valley's lower elevations is typically hot and dry, while higher areas experience more temperate conditions.234