Travel Guide Lac Abaya

Located in the Rift Valley, covering an area of 1,160 km2over some 60 km from north to south and 20 km wide, Lake Abaya is Ethiopia's longest and second-largest lake. It is surrounded by floodplains and swamps. It is fed by five main rivers, including the Bilate, which flows from Mount Gurage. Lake Abaya, shallow (13 m), has a coppery-brown hue, characteristic of its ferruginous waters. In its southern part, it is separated from Lake Chamo by Nechisar National Park. There are several islands, including Aruro, the main one, as well as Gidicho, Welege, Galmaka and Alkali.