RIFT VALLEY LAKES

“The Great Rift Valley is the single largest geographical feature on the African continent, and was the only such feature visible to the first astronauts to reach the moon. The process of rifting started some 20 million years ago along a 4,000km-long fault line that stretches from the Red Sea south to Mozambique’s Zambezi Valley.

The Great Rift Valley's passage through Ethiopia is marked by a chain of seven lakes. Each of the seven lakes has its own special life and character and provids ideal habitats for the exuberant variety of flora and fauna that make the region a beautiful and exotic destination for tourists. These Rift Valley Lakes harbor a great natural diversity but are also very important for the (local) economy of Ethiopia. It is a favorite destination for Ethiopians having a break out of the busy capital and a variety of accommodation is available. It is a great place to end a sometimes demanding journey through Ethiopia in a relaxing way. The area is of particular interest for birders. For visitors with a more comprehensive itinerary a brief visit to some of the lakes to or from the south of Ethiopia is a pleasant way to break the long journey.