About 35 million years ago, East Africa was the scene of an extraordinary geological event: a massive upwelling of magma created three enormous fissures, forming a giant Y. These fissures led to the creation of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, separating the Arabian Peninsula from the African continent. The third fissure extended southwards, creating the Ethiopian Rift Valley, a branch of the larger African Rift Valley. This natural wonder, formed when the Nubian and Somali plates separated, stretches for 500-600 Km, creating a spectacular landscape of savannahs, sparkling lakes, volcanic craters and towering escarpments.
The Rift Valley is not only a breathtaking landscape; it is also a crucial site for research into human evolution. Key fossil discoveries have been made here, including the famous “Lucy“, evidence of our ancestral past.
Along the valley, a chain of alkaline lakes, including Abaya, Chamo, Zway, Shala, Langano, Abijatta and Awasa, dot the landscape. These lakes, which are vital to the local economy and communities, are home to a rich biodiversity, with diverse wildlife ranging from graceful gazelles to vibrant bird species. The Ethiopian Rift Valley is a unique place, where the wild beauty of nature merges with human history and local cultures. A journey to this extraordinary land offers an unforgettable experience, an immersion into the beating heart of Africa.
