2 Days Bahir Dar and Blue Nile Falls

Island monasteries of Lake Tana and the falls of the Blue Nile

About The Tour

2 Days Bahir Dar and Blue Nile Falls Tour: Lake Tana Monasteries and Tis Abay

Island monasteries of Lake Tana and the falls of the Blue Nile

Overview

Bahir Dar sits on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile. This short break takes you by boat to the old monasteries of the Zege peninsula, with their painted walls and manuscripts, and to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Abay, the smoke of the Nile.

The tour starts and ends at Bahir Dar airport, about an hour by air from Addis Ababa. It works well on its own or as an add on before or after a trip to the south.

Duration

2 Days (1 Night)

Suggested Accommodations

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Bahir Dar, Lake Tana Monasteries

Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. Take a boat across Lake Tana to the Zege peninsula and walk through coffee forest to Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam, round churches covered in colourful paintings. On the way back, look for hippos where the Blue Nile leaves the lake. Sunset from Bezawit hill above the river. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 2: Blue Nile Falls, Fly to Addis Ababa

Drive about 1 hour to the village of Tis Abay. Walk past the old Portuguese bridge to the viewpoint over the Blue Nile Falls, about 1.5 hours return, and cross the suspension bridge below the falls. Return to Bahir Dar, with time to visit the local market, then transfer to the airport for the afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.

Travel Advice

Current travel advice (October 2026): the UK and US governments currently advise against all travel to the Amhara region, which includes Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar and the Simien Mountains. Check your own government’s latest advice and make sure your travel insurance covers you before you book. We follow the situation on the ground every day, run this route only when we judge it safe, and will talk to you about other dates or another itinerary if conditions change.

Price and Booking

Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.

Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.

Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.

What Is Included

Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
Airport and hotel transfers
Bottled water in the vehicle
Lake Tana boat trip
Monastery entrance fees and local guides

Not Included

International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
Travel insurance
Flights between Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar
Lunch and dinner
Drinks, tips and personal expenses

Best Time to Go

The falls are at their fullest from August to December, after the rainy season. From January to June much of the water is used for hydropower and the flow can be low. Timkat on 19 January is celebrated in style in Bahir Dar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Blue Nile Falls still worth seeing?

Yes, especially from August to December. In the dry season the flow is smaller, but the gorge, the bridges and the walk through the countryside are still beautiful.

Can women visit the monasteries?

Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam on the Zege peninsula are open to everyone. Some island monasteries further out, such as Tana Kirkos, are open to men only.

Can I add Gondar or Lalibela?

Yes. You can drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar, or fly to Lalibela through Addis Ababa. See our 5 day northern Ethiopia tour.

Tour Languages

Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.

Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.

Booking Form

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