Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Abbe

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Abbe is a striking saline lake located on the border between Djibouti and Ethiopia, serving as the terminus of the Awash River. The lake is most famous for its surreal limestone chimneys, which can reach heights of up to 50 meters and were created by geothermal activity. These travertine formations are the result of hot, mineral-rich water emerging from underground and depositing minerals as it meets the cooler lake water. The landscape is so otherworldly that it served as a filming location for the 1968 movie Planet of the Apes. The lake is situated in the center of the Afar Depression, where three tectonic plates are pulling apart. Despite the harsh, sulfurous environment, the lake is a vital habitat for large colonies of flamingos that feed on the algae in the shallow waters. Afar nomads use the lake's surroundings for grazing their livestock, although the water level has decreased in recent decades due to irrigation projects on the Awash River.

Location: Djibouti
Nearby: Gourabous (33 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	26	29	30	33	35	34	32	32	30	27	25
Rain mm	4	6	23	49	22	8	45	68	38	11	6	8

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Reaching this remote salt lake usually requires a sturdy 4x4 vehicle journey across rugged desert landscapes from the nearest major towns. A local guide is often mandatory to safely navigate the trackless terrain near the border.

📅

Best season

The coolest months from November to February are typically the most bearable for a visit to this deeply arid region. During the peak summer, daytime temperatures can predictably reach extreme and highly dangerous levels.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The landscape is prominently characterized by a barren, dusty expanse punctuated by spectacular, razor-sharp limestone chimneys and steaming hot springs. Walking here requires careful footing to avoid highly unstable crusts and hot mud pools.

🎒

What to bring

Essential items include substantial quantities of drinking water, heavy-duty sun protection, and robust closed-toe hiking shoes. A wide-brimmed hat and cooling layers are absolutely crucial to prevent heat exhaustion in the open expanse.

🅿️

Parking

Vehicles are usually parked at designated nomadic encampments or primitive campsites situated at a safe distance from the fragile mineral formations. There is no formal infrastructure, so drivers must strictly follow local instructions.

⚠️

Safety

Extreme heat, lack of potable water, and the presence of geothermal vents make this a deeply hazardous destination without proper preparation. Always stick to established paths near the tall chimneys and stay very close to your guide.

⏱️

Time needed

Most visitors spend at least a full day, often staying overnight at a nearby primitive camp to properly witness the surreal landscape at sunrise. The extensive travel time alone dictates that this is certainly not a quick detour.

Geography

Coordinates

11.16000, 41.79000

Facts

The lake is famous for its limestone chimneys made of travertine, reaching 50 meters in height.
It served as a filming location for the original 1968 movie Planet of the Apes.
Lake Abbe is the terminus of the 1,200-kilometer-long Awash River.
The region is located at the meeting point of three tectonic plates (Afar Triangle).
Thousands of lesser flamingos use the lake as a permanent feeding ground.
The area is surrounded by active volcanic vents and geothermal hot springs.