Bahir Dar & Lake Tana

The main attraction of the region, Lake Tana is famous for its thirty-seven scattered islands, housing many beautiful churches and monasteries. The churches, which are spread across twenty of the thirty-seven islands and peninsulas, are for the most part accessible only by boat. Most are 400 and 800 years old, though there are also structures on the islands which are thought to pre-date Christianity.

Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile, Bahir Dar's other great attraction, which flows from Ethiopia to Sudan. The Falls can be seen year-round, but are best visited shortly after the rainy season in order to see them at their best, when the surrounding landscape is beautiful and green and the falls in full flow.

In and around Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Tours of Bahir Dar focus on the Blue Nile Falls - approx one hour from the city centre on a scenic countryside road - and the island monasteries of Lake Tana, with special attention given to Ura Kidane Mihret and Azewa Marium. For those with more time to spare, Bahir Dar also has a lively market that is well worth exploring.

It is possible to visit several of Lake Tana's islands during a single day trip. We recommend focusing on a few core sites, or, if you have the time, taking two days to properly explore the lake. Many of the sites, such as the monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, boast beautiful murals and shouldn't be rushed through.

Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls can be covered in one full-day. For those on longer stays, Bahir Dar is a lively town with a vibrant market that is worth exploring with a guide. Lake Tana's lakeshore lodges also offer a good opportunity to wind down after a busy sightseeing tour of northern Ethiopia or trekking in the Simiens, in lieu of a beach extension!