The central plateau dominates the landscape. It was formed by volcanic activity, and has on three sides areas of low lying desert. This central plateau or Ethiopian Highlands average over 2000 meters high and there are over 20 peaks higher than 4000 meters. Ethiopia is bisected by the Great Rift Valley, which runs from the Red Sea through the Danakil Depression the lowest point on Earth, through southern Ethiopia and onto southern Africa. South of Addis Ababa in the Rift Valley where there are a string of eight great lakes. The two most extensive mountain ranges are in the Highlands called The Simiens. This is north of Gondar and the second at Bale which is in the southern highlands east of The Great Rift Valley. The highest mountain is Mount Ras Deshen in the Simien Mountains and at 4620 meters is the fourth highest Peak in Africa. The mountains are also the source of many rivers, the most famous being The Blue Nile which starts at Lake Tana and supplies most of the water for the Nile. There are nine national parks in Ethiopia which contain a wide variety of animals but not to be compared with the high volumes of Kenya and Tanzania. There are many endemic species, the most famous being the Simien Wolf. The breath-taking scenery is a paradise for hikers and non- hikers alike.