Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest freshwater lake, situated in the Amhara region at an altitude of approximately 1,840 meters above sea level. It is the source of the Blue Nile and was formed by volcanic activity blocking the river’s course about 5 million years ago. The lake is approximately 84 km long and 64 km wide, with a surface area of about 3,050 kmยฒ, and a depth of up to 15 meters. It is fed by over 40 rivers and streams, with the Gilgel Abbay, Ribb, Gumara, and Megech being the most significant contributors. Lake Tana supports over 300 bird species and a large fish population, with over 128 fish species, about 70% of which are endemic to the Nile basin. It is a significant political and spiritual centre for the Ethiopian Christian faith, with 37 islands, 27 of which contain historical monasteries, churches, and palaces.
