It is bordered on the south by South Wollo, on the west by South Gondar, on the north by Wag Hemra, on the northeast by Tigray Region, and on the east by Afar Region; part of its southern border is defined by the Mille River.
On the south, it borders South Wollo; on the west, South Gondar; on the north, Wag Hemra; on the northeast, Tigray Region; and on the east, Afar Region. Part of its southern border is demarcated by the Mille River.