Lake Tana's Island Monasteries & The Blue Nile Falls
Welcome to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia's most beautiful city, set on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. This is a city of gentle rhythms: fishermen paddling papyrus boats (tankwa), priests chanting on island monasteries, and the distant roar of Africa's most dramatic waterfall—the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as "Tis Abay" (The Smoking Water). On Lake Tana, you will visit ancient monasteries hidden on 37 islands, some dating to the 14th century, their walls covered in vibrant biblical frescoes. At Monpays Tours, we invite you to cruise the lake in a traditional tankwa, hike through lush forest to the falls, and relax in a city that feels more like a lakeside village than a regional capital. Celebrate 20 years with the peaceful beauty of Bahir Dar.
Lake Tana – Ethiopia's largest lake (3,600 square kilometers), source of the Blue Nile
Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery – The most famous, on the Zege Peninsula, with a circular church and incredible frescoes
Azwa Maryam Monastery – A 14th-century monastery on an island (women not permitted inside)
Kebran Gabriel Monastery – Men-only monastery on an island, beautiful manuscript collection
The Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay) – A 40-meter-high, 400-meter-wide curtain of water
The Portuguese Bridge – A 17th-century stone bridge near the falls
The Source of the Blue Nile – A symbolic marker near the falls (the true source is Lake Tana)
Bahir Dar Market – A lively local market for spices, textiles, and fresh fish
Créez l'itinéraire idéal pour votre voyage en Éthiopie avec nos experts.
Abonnez-vous à notre infolettre et soyez le premier à être informé des offres spéciales et des nouveaux circuits.
Sign in to your account
Vous n'avez pas de compte ? Inscription
