መልክ ቀያያሪው ሀይቅ :Ethiopia’s color-shifting lake where folklore meets flight

361 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa lies a hidden natural wonder waiting to be discovered—Mechefera Lake. Tucked into the heart of Siraro Badawecho District in Hadiya zone, this tranquil expanse is not only a feast for the eyes but a wellspring of ecological and cultural intrigue.

Part of a trio alongside xiilo and Budameda, Mechefera spans 74.4 hectares and plunges to a depth of 15 meters. What sets it apart is a verdant island at its center—home to flocks of migratory birds from as far as Europe and Canada, as well as endemic.

As the sun traces its arc overhead, the lake’s hue shifts—silver at dawn, sapphire by midday, amber at dusk—casting a spell on all who witness it. Nearby, a natural cave and hot spring add to the immersive experience, offering a peaceful retreat for body and soul.

But the lake’s mystique runs deeper. Legend has it that its name, Mechefera, was born from its earliest visitors’ fascination with the elusive hippos once inhabiting its waters. Locals recall how the creatures would sink beneath the surface, revealing only their ears (Meche) and back (Afare), inspiring a name that lives on.

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