in Ethiopia

Bahir Dar

A palm-lined city on Lake Tana, the launch point for boat trips to island monasteries and the thundering Blue Nile Falls.

Notable spots

Lake Tana
Nature
Ethiopia's largest lake, scattered with centuries-old island monasteries.
Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat)
Nature
The 'smoking water' falls on the Blue Nile River.
Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery
History
Bahir Dar Lakeside Promenade
Scenery

Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov and Dec

👕 Bahir Dar in Oct: Short sleeves, plus a light layer for air-conditioned interiors; big day–night swing, so dress in layers.

Photo: Lake Tana — NASA (Public domain) · Wikimedia