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Northern Ethiopia

Bahir Dar & Lake Tana

A lakeside town close to island monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls.

Overview

About Bahir Dar & Lake Tana

Bahir Dar sits on the southern shore of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile. It is a green, relaxed town with wide avenues and a busy waterfront.

Boats take visitors to island monasteries with painted walls, and the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay, “great smoke”) are a short drive away. The falls are at their strongest during and after the rains.

Region
Northern
Best time
September to December for the fullest waterfalls
Tours here
1
Tours from
USD 890

Highlights

What makes it worth the journey

Highlights

  • Boat trips to island monasteries
  • The Blue Nile Falls
  • Sunset on the lakeshore
  • Birdwatching around the lake

Things to do

  • Take a half-day boat trip to a monastery
  • Walk to the Blue Nile Falls
  • Cycle along the lakeshore
  • Visit the local market

Plan your visit

Before you go

Best time to visit

September to December for the fullest waterfalls; October to March for dry weather overall

Getting there

Bahir Dar has an airport with flights from Addis Ababa, and roads link it to Gondar and beyond.

Getting around

The town is flat and easy to walk; boats leave from the lakeshore; the falls are reached by road and a short walk.

Good to know

  • Monasteries may ask that women and men use different entrances; your guide will explain.
  • The falls are much smaller in the dry season, when water is diverted for power.

Journeys

Tours that reach Bahir Dar & Lake Tana

Departs 02 Nov

4 days Nature

Bahir Dar & Lake Tana

Blue Nile Falls & Lake Tana

A relaxed four days on the shores of Lake Tana, with island monasteries and a walk to the Blue Nile Falls.

See all tours

Keep exploring

More places to see

Northern

Lalibela

Eleven medieval churches carved down into solid rock, and still in use today.

Northern

Gondar

The royal enclosure of Fasil Ghebbi, with castles built from the 17th century.

Northern

Axum

An ancient capital, known for its towering carved stelae and its churches.

Let us plan your Bahir Dar & Lake Tana trip

Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.