Lakes Abaya & Chamo
Lake Abaya is Ethiopia’s second largest lake, and has many attractions for every traveller.
The first thing you will likely notice about the lake is its unusual reddish color. This occurs because there is a large amount of iron sediment. Two notable locations on the lake are the town of Arba Minch and the Nechisar National Park, on the southwestern and southern shores respectively.
Arba Minch has a thriving fishing industry. One of their favorite catches is the famous nile perch, commonly weighing 100 kg or more. The boats of the fishermen are reminiscent of ancient Egypt.
The smaller Lake Chamo is only a short way south of Lake Abaya, separated only by a small strip of land known as the “Bridge of Heaven”.
“Crocodile Market” has a reputation for being one of the best locations in Africa for viewing crocodiles in their natural habitat. Hundreds of the reptiles gather here, while a large variety of birds and hippos gather nearby.
REGION:
Great Rift Valley of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region
BEST TIMES TO VISIT:
October - December
WHY TRAVELLERS LOVE IT:
The crocodile market and hippo watching
MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
- Crocodile Market
- The Bridge of Heaven
- Hippos
