Overview
This one-day Bahir Dar tour combines the cultural beauty of Lake Tana with the natural wonder of the Blue Nile Falls. Travel by private boat to the historic Ura Kidane Mehret Church on the Zege Peninsula, enjoy birdlife and possible hippo sightings near the Blue Nile outlet, then continue by road to Tis Abay, the famous Blue Nile Falls. It is an ideal short tour for travelers who want history, scenery, and nature in a single day.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a private boat trip on Lake Tana
- Visit Ura Kidane Mehret Church on the Zege Peninsula
- See historic Ethiopian Orthodox murals and religious treasures
- Look for hippos near the Blue Nile outlet
- Experience Lake Tana’s rich birdlife
- Visit the famous Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Abay
- Enjoy scenic landscapes around Bahir Dar
- Learn about the cultural and religious heritage of Lake Tana
Day 1: Lake Tana Monasteries and Blue Nile Falls
Begin the day with a private boat trip on Lake Tana to Ura Kidane Mehret Church, one of the most attractive and culturally important churches in the Lake Tana region. Located on the Zege Peninsula, the church was originally founded in the 14th century, while the present circular structure dates from the 16th century. Its interior is decorated with beautiful religious murals painted over the past several centuries, depicting biblical stories, saints, and scenes from Ethiopian Orthodox tradition. The nearby treasury also preserves important religious and royal artifacts, including richly embroidered robes and historic crowns connected with Ethiopian rulers.
After exploring the monastery area, continue by boat toward the outlet of the Blue Nile River, where you may see hippos and a variety of birdlife along the lakeshore. After lunch, travel by private vehicle for about 40 minutes to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Abay, meaning “great smoke.” Located on the upper course of the Blue Nile River, about 30 km from Bahir Dar, the falls are among Ethiopia’s best-known natural attractions. Depending on the season and water level, the falls may appear as several streams cascading from a height of around 37 to 45 meters. After enjoying the scenery and taking photos, return to Bahir Dar for the end of the tour.
What’s Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Tour guide
- Boat fee
