Africa's largest and most famous geographical feature, the great volcanic Rift Valley in Ethiopia, is home to a chain of sparkling lakes and hot springs that nestle in the depths of the valleys.
The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes are the northernmost of the African Rift Valley lakes. In central Ethiopia the Great Rift Valley splits the Ethiopian high lands 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 most are alkaline. Although the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes are of great importance to Ethiopia's economy, as well as being essential to the survival of the local people, there were no intensive and extensive limnological studies undertaken of these lakes until recently.
The seven lakes in this region are habitats of a wide range of birds and indigenous animals. Some of the lakes are even alkaline brown, yet surprisingly ideal for swimming. The landscapes, with two dramatic escarpments, create a thrilling backdrop for so many activities.
