Lake Chew Bahir

Lake Chew Bahir at a Glance

About Lake Chew Bahir

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.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Lake Chew Bahir

Best visited in the dry season for accessibility and safer travel conditions.

Dry season (Oct-Feb)

October-February · 20-30°C

Easier access and clearer views across the basin.

Wet season (Mar-Sep)

March-September · 18-28°C

Roads become muddy and some areas flood; birdlife increases but travel is harder.

Weather & Climate near Lake Chew Bahir

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 80 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

AugustSeptemberJuly

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

41°

Warmest Month

16°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	Excellent	20° - 37°	28°	24 mm	mostly sunny	37%	2.4 m/s	2.3 extreme	11.8h
February	Excellent	21° - 37°	29°	25 mm	some cloud	34%	2.3 m/s	2.5 extreme	11.9h
March	Very Good	21° - 35°	28°	54 mm	partly cloudy	43%	2.4 m/s	2.6 extreme	12.0h
April	Good	21° - 34°	28°	78 mm	partly cloudy	60%	2.1 m/s	2.4 extreme	12.1h
May	Very Good	20° - 34°	28°	57 mm	partly cloudy	61%	2.2 m/s	2.3 extreme	12.2h
June	Excellent	19° - 34°	27°	13 mm	partly cloudy	55%	2.6 m/s	2.1 extreme	12.3h
July	Excellent	19° - 33°	26°	24 mm	partly cloudy	51%	2.0 m/s	2.1 extreme	12.2h
August	Ideal	18° - 33°	26°	13 mm	partly cloudy	48%	2.0 m/s	2.3 extreme	12.2h
September	Ideal	19° - 35°	27°	12 mm	partly cloudy	44%	2.1 m/s	2.5 extreme	12.0h
October	Excellent	20° - 34°	27°	30 mm	partly cloudy	52%	2.1 m/s	2.3 extreme	11.9h
November	Very Good	20° - 34°	27°	63 mm	partly cloudy	53%	1.9 m/s	2.2 extreme	11.8h
December	Excellent	19° - 35°	27°	39 mm	mostly sunny	44%	1.9 m/s	2.2 extreme	11.7h

Getting There & Around

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.

Lake Chew Bahir essentials