The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes are the northernmost of the African Rift Valley lakes. In central Ethiopia, the Main Ethiopian Rift, also known as the Great Rift Valley, splits the Ethiopian highlands into northern and southern halves, and the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes occupy the floor of the rift valley between the two highlands. Most of the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes do not have an outlet, and most are alkaline. Although the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes are of great importance to Ethiopia’s economy, as well as being essential to the survival of the local people, there were no intensive and extensive limnological studies undertaken of these lakes until recently.

The major ones are: Lake Abaya (areal extent 1,162 square kilometers (449 sq. mi), elevation 1,285 meters (4,216 ft.), maximum depth 13.1 meters (43 ft.)), the largest Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake by surface area. Lake Chamo (areal extent 551 square kilometers (213 sq. mi), elevation 1,235 meters (4,052 ft.), maximum depth 14 meters (46 ft.). Lake Zway or Dambal (areal extent 485 square kilometers (187 sq. mi), elevation 1,636 meters (5,367 ft.), maximum depth 8.9 meters (29 ft.). Lake Shala (areal extent 329 square kilometers (127 sq. mi), elevation 1,558 meters (5,112 ft.), maximum depth 266 meters (873 ft)), the deepest Ethiopian Rift Valley lake and the largest by water volume. Koka Reservoir (areal extent 250 square kilometers (97 sq. mi), elevation 1,590 meters (5,220 ft.), maximum depth not listed). Lake Langano (areal extent 230 square kilometers (89 sq. mi), elevation 1,585 meters (5,200 ft.), maximum depth 46 meters (151 ft.). Lake Abijatta (areal extent 205 square kilometers (79 sq. mi), elevation 1,573 meters (5,161 ft.), maximum depth 14 meters (46 ft.). Lake Awasa (areal extent 129 square kilometers (50 sq. mi), elevation 1,708 meters (5,604 ft.), maximum depth 10 meters (33 ft.).