Northern
Simien Mountains
Discover Simien Mountains.
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
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.
Gallery
A look at Bahir Dar & Lake Tana
Photos: Unsplash
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.