Which lake is commonly called the world’s largest desert lake?

Lake Turkana is commonly called the world’s largest desert lake.

It lies mainly in northern Kenya, with its northern tip extending into Ethiopia, and covers about 6,405 square kilometres. The lake occupies the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley and is surrounded by one of the hottest and driest regions in Africa.

Lake Turkana is unusual because it has no permanent surface outlet. Most water enters through the Omo River from Ethiopia, while evaporation removes much of the inflow. The lake’s water is alkaline, and its level and salinity can change with rainfall, river flow, and evaporation.

The lake was formerly known as Lake Rudolf. Its shores contain important fossil and archaeological sites, including evidence relevant to human evolution. “Largest desert lake” describes its setting rather than a universal ranking by every measurement, since lake classifications can vary by definition.