Rising in the mountains of Dogu’a Tembien in northern Ethiopia, it flows northwestward to empty into the Weri’i, which is a tributary of Tekezé River.

The Ab’aro is a confined ephemeral river in its upper part, whereas it widely meanders in the lower plains, with an average slope gradient of 60 metres per kilometre.

[1] In contrast to neighbouring rivers such as May Meqa, May Shoate or Giraliwdo, the magnitude of floods in Ab’aro has not been decreased due to interventions in the catchment.

On the steep slopes, exclosures have not been established and there is no dense vegetation that could contribute to enhanced infiltration, less flooding or better baseflow.

[12] Trek Gh2 roughly follows the river, partly occupying the track of an old road dating back to the time of the Italian occupation.