Blue Nile Falls

About an hour drive south-east of Bahir Dar, you arrive in the small village of Tis Isat, which translates to ‘smoking water’. This signals that you are now close to the spectacular Tis Abay, or Blue Nile Falls. These waterfalls have shrunk in recent years due to the creation of a nearby hydro electrical plant, but once again, more water is following, to return the falls to their original glory. Especially from August till November, at the end of the rainy season, you can expect an impressive sight. Beyond visiting the falls, year-round it is a worthwhile visit to see the authentic village of Tissisat, as well as the Portuguese bridge near the Falls. Different walks are available, and it is an excellent place for birders, as well. It is best to visit in the morning while it is still cool, and the sun is perfectly positioned for visitors to admire the Falls.

The Source of the Blue Nile

Nearby Bahir Dar lies the ‘Source of the Blue Nile’ or the place where the Blue Nile flows out of Lake Tana on its way the join the White Nile in Khartoum and to proceed as Nile to Egypt. Geographically, the source is at Gish Abay, where three small springs feed the biggest river flowing into Lake Tana. These springs are considered holy by the orthodox church.
Lake Tana Lake Tana is the largest lake of Ethiopia and one of the larger lakes in Africa. It covers an area of almost 3,700 km2 and is dotted with many, most very small orthodox church during Islamic uprisings. The monasteries on these islands are well worth visiting, but female travelers are only welcome at a few of them. To reach the central islands requires a full day trip out of Bahir Dar, and there are beautiful churches nearby to visit. The adventurous traveler might consider crossing Lake Tana to Gorgora on the northern side of the lake, taking in some island monasteries on the way.

Lake Tana

Lake Tana is the largest lake of Ethiopia and one of the larger lakes of Africa. It covers an area of almost 3700 km2 and is dotted with many, most very small, islands which have been a save harbor for treasuries belonging to the orthodox church during Islamic uprising. The monasteries on these islands are well worth visiting but woman travelers are only welcome at a few of them. To reach the central islands means a full day trip out of Bahir Dar, but there are beautiful churches nearby. The adventurous traveler might consider to cross Lake Tana to Gorgora on the northern side of the lake, visiting some island monasteries on the way.

Zeghe Peninsula

You don’t have to go far from Bahir Dar to reach one of the most beautiful churches of Lake Tana. It’s about one hour by boat to reach the lush vegetation-covered Zeghe Peninsula, and a short walk leads to the 16th century Ura Kidane Mihret church. Here, all visitors are welcome. If you have time to spare, the peninsula has many churches (all visitors allowed) and it is a pleasant walk from one to the other. Here, lucky visitors will encounter beautiful birds and monkeys on the paths. Between Bahir Dar and Zeghe lies the Kibran Gabriel Monastery, but here, only men are allowed. Nearby the Source of the Blue Nile, you will find the Debre Maryam Church, which is accessible to all.