Lake Shala
Lake Crater lake in Ethiopia's Rift Valley, flamingo habitat
In Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, Lake Shala lies inside Abijatta-Shalla National Park, noted for steep shores and saline waters that attract flamingos and other waterbirds; visitors come for boat trips and birdwatching.
Lake Shala is a saline lake in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, located within Abijatta-Shalla National Park in Oromia. It is notable as part of a pair of lakes in the national park and for its geothermal shoreline features.
The lake’s saline waters and local hot springs create habitat used by waterbirds and other wildlife, and the park is managed for both conservation and tourism. Visitor access is organized from park facilities and often combined with trips to neighboring lakes within the park.
Historically the lake has been part of Rift Valley lake systems shaped by tectonic and volcanic activity. Its shoreline and springs reflect active geothermal influences in the region.
Lake Shala lies within the Rift Valley landscape of southern-central Ethiopia, surrounded by arid plains and volcanic landforms and accessed from regional towns via park roads.
- National park protection: Located within Abijatta-Shalla National Park, the lake is part of a protected complex of Rift Valley lakes with geothermal features and birdlife.
- Saline with geothermal activity: The lake is saline and contains hot springs and shoreline features that influence local ecology.
How to Get to Lake Shala #
Drive: Access via road from Addis Ababa and the major Rift Valley towns; many tours combine Lake Shala with other nearby lakes in the central-southern Rift.
Tips for Visiting Lake Shala #
- Bring a guide to reach the most photogenic caldera shores-access tracks can be steep and fragile.
- Wear sturdy footwear; the lake's rim has hot, sulphurous springs in places and volcanic scoria underfoot.
- Combine Lake Shala with a visit to the Rift Valley lakes (Abijatta, Langano) for diverse landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Lake Shala #
Dry months are best for road access and hiking; the wet season can make tracks slippery.
Weather & Climate near Lake Shala #
Lake Shala's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 11°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (746 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (122 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 9 mm and mostly sunny skies.
_herd.jpg?width=600)
