Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile
Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile, which begins its 5,000-kilometre journey to the Mediterranean from its southern shore. Scattered across the lake are more than 30 islands, many holding ancient monasteries — such as Ura Kidane Mehret and Kebran Gabriel — whose walls are covered in centuries-old religious paintings.\n\nA short drive away, the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Abay ("smoking water"), plunge over a broad basalt ledge in a cloud of mist. A boat crossing the lake combined with a visit to the falls makes this one of the most rewarding stopovers on Ethiopia's northern historical circuit.
Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery
Blue Nile Falls
Kebran Gabriel Monastery
Source of the Blue Nile
Bahir Dar lakeside promenade
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