Lake Ziway
Lake Ziway is a freshwater lake located on the border between the Oromia Region and the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region, about 100 kilometers south of the country's capital, Addis Ababa.
The 5th largest island in Lake Ziway is dispersed on its freshwater surface, the largest being Tulu Gudo. Legend has it that this island was the hiding place of the Ark of the Covenant, the powerful relic King Menelik I brought to Ethiopia in the 4th century. Then, in the 10th century, when Queen Gudit, the then ruler of Axum, threatened to destroy the relic as part of her crusade to annihilate the rulers of the Axumite dynasty, the Zay people brought the relic to Tulu Gudo, and it remained here for about 70 years before being returned to its home, Axum.
Ziway is also known for its prolific birdlife and hippopotamuses. If you’re spending time in the Rift Valley, it recommends booking on a boat ride around the lake to explore the wildlife under the expert guidance of local fishermen.
