Highlights: Bahir Dar and Lake Tana, Northern Region of Ethiopia
Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
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Worth Noting:
Type:
- Bird watching
- Boat trips
- Religious sites
- Lake
Difficulty:
- Moderate level of fitness
Park Fees:
- Under 50 USD
About Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
On the southern shore of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile, Bahir Dar is an attractive palm-lined town.
Lake Tana is dotted with islands, some of which have monasteries containing the remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors and treasures of the Ethiopian church. On the Zege Peninsula, on the opposite side of the lake from the town, is the monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, famed for its striking painted interiors, and its collection of crosses and crowns. Here also is the monastery of Aswa Mariam, smaller but with similarly detailed and artistic paintings, and several other monasteries. The artwork inside the monasteries is remarkable for having been created from paints made from local plants and natural items, and on the walk to the monasteries – a gentle shaded climb of less that 1km – locals demonstrate the making of these natural paints. Also along the path are bamboo and papyrus stalls selling scarves, paintings, jewellery and religious icons.
Activities include boat trips on Lake Tana – to reach the monasteries, or for bird watching and hippo spotting. From here you can also visit the Blue Nile Falls, known as Tis Issat in Amharic which, when translated, means ‘smoking water’. Several of the local restaurants on the lakeshores serve fresh fish from the lake.
Bahir Dar is the capital of the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. In 2002 it was awarded the UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize for addressing the challenges of rapid urbanisation, and this can be seen in its wide roads fringed with palm trees and colourful tropical plants. The Lake Tana region was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015.
Other Highlights In The Northern Region
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On the southern shore of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile, Bahir Dar is an attractive palm-lined town. Lake Tana is dotted with islands, some of which have monasteries containing the remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors and treasures of the Ethiopian church. ...
Accommodations Near Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
Set in attractive gardens, Abay Minch Lodge offers accommodation near the centre of Bahir Dar. The name Abay Minch is derived from the Amharic for the Blue Nile. The 45 en-suite rooms are made up of single, double, twin and family. All rooms have TV, Wifi and fruit basket. The restaurant ...
The Dubai-based Constellation Hospitality Group is a developer and manager of luxury hotels and resorts across Africa. The Avanti Blue Nile Hotel, Constellation Hospitality Group’s first Avanti in East Africa, opened in 2012. The hotel is located on the shores of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, and has ...
In front of the international stadium - the largest stadium in East Africa - Delano Hotel is a friendly and comfortable hotel. The hotel overlooks a park with football, basketball, volleyball and handball courts. The 53 en-suite rooms on 7 floors are made up of singles, doubles, twins, and delux. All rooms ...
The town of Bahir Dar sits on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and home to notable monasteries. Jacaranda Hotel is near the Old Stadium in Bahir Dar. The 47 en-suite rooms are made up of singles, doubles and king size. All rooms have TV, safe ...
On the lakefront of Lake Tana, Kuriftu Resort is the place to relax and enjoy your surroundings in Bahir Dar. The 28 en-suite rooms include two presidential suites. All have private verandas with views of the lake. The restaurant serves Ethiopian food and a selection of international dishes. Wines are supplied ...
On a promontory of Lake Tana, Tim and Kim Lodge is a lovely little hideaway. The cottages are dotted around attractive gardens sloping down to the lake. The 10 cottages are made up of 7 en-suite stone rondavals and 3 mud houses. All cottages have thatched roofs, and are made up of doubles, ...