Lake Chew Bahir
Lake Seasonal saline lake in Ethiopia's lowland Rift Valley
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Lake Chew Bahir is a seasonal, saline lake in southern Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, sometimes also referred to in older sources as Lake Stefanie. It occupies a low-lying closed basin and is notable for large changes in extent over time.
Shallow flats and exposed mudflats are typical when levels drop, and the basin can support a mix of saline-tolerant vegetation and waterbirds during wetter periods. There are few permanent settlements on the lake shore, and access is generally by road through lowland Rift Valley terrain.
The lake basin is a product of East African Rift tectonics and has alternated between wetter and drier phases in recent centuries and millennia. These fluctuations have repeatedly changed the lake’s size and salinity.
Geographically it lies in southern Ethiopia near the border with Kenya, within the Oromo and neighboring lowland regions. The surrounding landscape is a flat to gently undulating rift floor with higher escarpments to the north and east.
- Fluctuating water level: Can be ephemeral and highly saline at times, expanding and contracting with seasonal rainfall and longer climatic cycles.
- Endorheic basin: Sits within a closed Rift Valley basin, so it has no permanent outlet and collects runoff from surrounding highlands.
How to Get to Lake Chew Bahir #
The lake is remote; access is typically by 4x4 from regional towns such as Konso or Moyale. Road conditions vary and local guides or drivers familiar with seasonal access are strongly recommended.
Tips for Visiting Lake Chew Bahir #
- Bring a GPS and local guide - the region is remote and signage is sparse.
- Respect local pastoral communities and obtain permission before entering private grazing areas.
- Seasons dramatically affect travel - some roads become impassable during the rainy months.
Best Time to Visit Lake Chew Bahir #
Best visited in the dry season for accessibility and safer travel conditions.
Weather & Climate near Lake Chew Bahir #
Lake Chew Bahir's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 37°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 28°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 28°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 28°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm, feeling like 27°C. The driest month with just 12 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm, feeling like 27°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
