The history of Lake Zengena

The history of Lake Zengena. Zengena Lake is a crater lake located in the Awi Zone of the Amhara Region in Ethiopia. The lake is situated between the towns of Injibara and Kessa only 200 m from the Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar Highway with an elevation of 2500 meters. 

It is the second deepest lake in Ethiopia next to Lake Shalla with a maximum depth of 166m followed by Tirba (maximum depth of 153m). And also it is a closed lake. The diameter of the lake is roughly 1 km. Zengena Lake is most likely a maar lake formed by volcanic explosion and collapse.

Lake Zengena is surrounded mostly by pine trees. According to the information obtained from the Awi Zone Culture and Tourism Department, there are more than 75 different species of plants around Lake Zengena, planted by the people in the area as well as growing naturally. 

Zengena is located 430 km from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, and 120 km away from Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region. However, as it is just one km away from the main asphalt road that runs from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, visitors can take a quick walk to stop by the lake. The nearest town to Zengena is Injbara, the capital of the Awi zone. 

Visitors who wish to approach the lake by foot can take a leisurely walk through the woods down the road to the lake. The pebbled road is also suitable for cars. The three km road going around the lake was built during the Derg regime and is still being used. However, there are also steps down to the lake for those who come on foot.