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The Great Rift Valley, which extends from the Middle East to Mozambique, passes right through Ethiopia, endowing the country with some spectacular features that range from hot, dry, and barren places to a string of beautiful lakes. Volcanic activity, which greatly contributed to the formation of the Rift Valley, continues up to present times. In Ethiopia it finds expression in the presence of hot springs many parts of the country, as well as volcanic cones in the Danakil Depression in the north-east. Much further south, between and far below the two escarpments, lie the glittering watery jewels of Lake Awasa, Lake Shala, Lake Abijatta, Lake Langano and Lake Ziway:

Lake Koka is the only artificial body of water in the chain and one of our popular destinations for birding.

Further south again is a cluster of three lakes Abayta, Shala and Langano. Abayta and Shala protected in a national park known for their prolific bird life and hot spring. The two lakes are separated by a mere 3km wide sliver of hilly land , Shala is the deepest lake extending to an incredible depth of 266m and holds great volume of water than any other Ethiopian lakes. Abayta is 14m deep surrounded by tightly cropped grass flat exposed over the last decades by steady drops in its water level.   Lake Langano is a popular swimming and water sport resort. With a surface area of 305km2 and a depth of 45m it is more developed for tourism than any other lake in Ethiopia. Lake Awasa situated on the outskirts of the town of Awasa is also home to many species of birds and fishes. Some of the most important cities along this road include

Lake Abijatta: roughly parallel with Langano, but on the western side of the main north-south road, is Lake Abijatta justly the most famous for its birdlife of all the Rift valley lakes. This is a shallow lake, only 10 m deep, lying in a gracefully-curved basin of land set amidst low hills. Its alkaline waters attract flamingos in their thousands shy birds, that at human approach, rise from their feeding grounds along the shore into brilliant pink and red flight. Other bird species include African fish eagles, Egyptian geese and white-necked cormorants, marabou storks and sacred ibis, various plover species and herons.

Lake Shala: a little to the south of Langano is Lake Shala. With a surface area of 409 square kilometers, the lake reaches a depth of up to 250m and is rimmed with jagged peaks and imposing rock formations that five it a rather strange and mysterious air. In the south-west corner of the lake is the mouth of a small stream that winds back into the hills under a canopy of giant wild fig trees and acacias. Here, tall Oromo herdsmen, with the handsome dignified bearing of Biblical patriarchs, bring their cattle down to graze in surroundings of pastoral tranquility. Lake Shala’s islands are used as breeding sites by many birds including the continent’s most important breeding colony of great white pelicans.

The 4000 m high Arsi Mountains to the east of Langano provide a lovely stage behind which the morning sun rises. Oromo women in the area sell copper or brass bracelets, bead necklaces and milk pots decorated with cowry shells

Lake Awasa: the peaceful Lake Awasa lies just south of the town of Shashemene with the town of Awasa on its shore. A gentle chain of mountains and low plateau surround the lake, opening to a wide, low bay in the south. Awasa.The Lake around 21 meters deep and 62 kilometers in circumference teems with a great variety of fish and, as elsewhere in the Rift Valley, many species of birds. A local fishing community, using small boats and simple nets and lures, thrives on the stock, as do many species of birds storks and herons in particular which can be seen wading watchfully in the shallows.

Senkele sanctuary, savanna habitat. Wildlife includes Swayne’s hartebeests large mammals recorded (31) birds recorded (91). Established to protect the Swayne’s hartebeest.

Shashemene: lies 250km from Addis Ababa and  is the most important junction town in southern Ethiopia standing at the crossroads of the asphalt road south to moyale, the dust road east to Bale mountain National park and the asphalt road south to Arba Minch and Omo valley. Shashemene is also known for the Ras Tafarian community called Jamaica lying on the northern outskirt of the city.

Wondo Genet: is a popular hot spring resort which lies among forested hills near the village of Wosha about 20km south of Shashemene. The main attractions here are the swimming pool fed by the springs which are said to have curative properties. The Wondo Genet forest area is of great interest for hikers and nature lovers as it supports many species of birds and mammals such as Anubis Baboons, grivet monkeys and Gureza monkeys.