Some 160kms south of Addis Ababa, it is the northernmost and largest lake in the chain which extends over 434 km2. Its extensive aquatic vegetation attracts variety of water birds. It is 26km long and 18km wide. And several islands dot the surface of the largest of the five lakes. There are several turnoffs leading to the lake shore Tall fig trees line the original shore, but in recent years the level of the lake has dropped to such an extent that several hundred metres of grassland and reeds come between you and the water. Marabou storks roost on the tops of the acacias in the evenings, and many other birds have made the grassy stretch their feeding area. On the north side of the lake where the Meki River flows in lies Hippopotamus Bay and to reach the far shore or any of the islands it is necessary to bring a boat.