Lake Abbe

Lake Abbe

Lake Abbe is a border lake between Ethiopia and the Republic of Djibouti, located in the eastern part of the Afar Plain. It is a rift lake. The surface of Lake Abbe sits at an elevation of 234 meters above sea level, measuring approximately 25 kilometers in both length and width. The water is saline, and it serves as the terminal lake of the Awash River, receiving small amounts of river inflow during the rainy season.

Lake Abbe is arguably the most desolate lake in the world’s most barren regions. Its surroundings are uninhabited and rarely visited, yet the scenery is truly unique and unparalleled. Stretching across the endless plain are thousands of limestone chimneys, some as tall as over 50 meters. These are tuff chimneys formed by the long-term accumulation of calcium carbonate deposited from hot spring subsidence. They stand as loyal sentinels of Lake Abbe, having accompanied the lake through many years and continuing to do so for the ages to come.