The-Blue-Nile-Falls-ethiopia

The Blue Nile Falls Ethiopia

From the city of Bahir Dar, intrepid explorers can take a boat and head out to explore the thirty seven islands which dot the lake. Havens for 13th and 14th century churches and monasteries, these holy sites are filled with ancient manuscripts and artifacts that UNESCO has identified as worth preserving. Originally, the Blue Nile meandered away from Lake Tana before plunging violently over the side of a 400m (1,312ft) wide gorge into a chasm below.

Great day trip from Bahir Dar. It takes about 2h drive and most of the road is pretty good. Amazing views of the waterfalls and you can get very very close to the water as well as right on the top edge of the falls. You will want to get a guide from the office at the beginning of the park, it costs 200bir.

Worth the trip from Bahir Dar. Be sure to go just after the end of the rainy season. Keep in mind the path to reach the falls by foot is not developed at all and quite muddy.

Things to See and Do Around Blue Nile Falls

  • The falls are a real highlight during the raining season. The whole trip to get there is an adventure. You see how the locals live and walk through the primary forest. It’s very muddy, so bring proper shoes.
  • Lake Blue Nile Falls Ethiopia

    This is a place you must visit if you are close to bahir dar city. You will travel there by bus and then get a ticket. I recommend you to take a walk not a boat at the first way.

    How far is Blue Nile Falls

    The 32 kilometers from start of nile river going towards Sudan and Egypt and ultimately joining Mediterranean Sea these are very important waterfalls for the continent of africa it supplies water to many kilometers of land for agriculture this area has many waterfalls some heavy some small for many kilometers with simple people all around

    The flowing Lake Blue Nile falls

    One of the beautiful falls flowing on the top of the mountain. It will be wonderful to feel the bird view of the complete falls through the walking path instead of crossing the small river by boat. If you have enough time you can enjoy the walk along the river in the mountains upto the small falls on the other side of the blue niles mountain. The majestic Water falls on the rock with a green rainbow is one of the natural wonder in Ethiopia without any commercialization. Entry ticket is 50 birr for tourists and you are free to roam anywhere in the beautiful mountain landscape. Heavily crowded public mini buses are available for 20 birr at stadium bus station in bahir dar and takes around 60 to 90 minutes to reach the village of the blue Nile falls.

    The Blue Nile Falls

    Known locally as ‘Tis Islat’ (meaning ‘great smoke)’, the jaw-dropping waterfall is a 400-meter-wide waterfall during the rainy season. Though it gushes water all year round, it does so less furiously outside of the wetter months. The falls have isolated the ecology of Lake Tana from the rest of the Nile, and this has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the area’s wildlife.

    Ancient Monasteries

    Bahir Dar has 37 monasteries which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. They are well-structured and the interiors are decorated with religious imagery including pictures of Christian martyrs and Bible stories. There are numerous guided tours which you can book, a guide can take you between the monasteries and provide insightful information.

    Bahir Dar Market

    The Market is not a very touristic place but what it offers is an insight into genuine Bahir Dar day-to-day life. You can find literally anything at the market including clothes, spices, livestock, and a mouthwatering range of food. The best day to experience the hustle-and-bustle is on a Saturday (market day) when buyers and sellers pour in from neighboring villages.

    Che Che Ido

    The main airline operating out of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is Ethiopian Airlines, flying to around 125 domestic and international destinations.

    Che Che Ido opens every evening and has a stage for local musicians to play Ethiopian music. There is no entry fee but donations to the players are appreciated and deserved. The bar stocks a wide variety of drinks including Ethiopian beers. The crowd is young, lively and welcoming. If you want you can get involved in the dancing and even get onto the stage!

    Getting to Bahir Dar: Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia’s largest cities and is well-connected. There are a number of transport options available to visitors.

    Bahir Dar by Plane:

    Bahir Dar Ginbot Haya Airport is situated 8 km west of the city center. There are regular flights from the country’s main airport, Addis Ababa, which are run by Ethiopian Airlines. There are also domestic flights to and from various other places including Lalibela, Gondar, and Axum.Bahir Dar is 555 km north-east from Addis Ababa by road (national highway 3). From Gondar it is 170 km south via road 3. It is just over 310 km east of Lalibela if you go through Woleta.

    Bahir Dar by Car:

    Tourists are allowed to use an international driving licence to drive their own vehicle for 3 months. To drive a local vehicle or to drive for a longer period than 3 months it is necessary to get an Ethiopian driving licence.

    Bahir Dar is 555 km north-east from Addis Ababa by road (national highway 3). From Gondar it is 170 km south via road 3. It is just over 310 km east of Lalibela if you go through Woleta.

    Bahir Dar By Bus:

    The city is connected by daily buses (and private minibuses) which run from Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Gondar. They often do not leave from the bus station but run from hotels and are organized through tourist agencies. Minibuses are more expensive than buses but are much faster.

    Do you need a visa to get to Bahir Dar?:

    Most probably. Only visitors with passports issued by Dijbouti and Kenya can enter Ethiopia without a visa. Thankfully, getting a visa for Ethiopia is simple and fast.

    The online Ethiopia eVisa application only takes a few minutes to complete, applicants just need to answer some questions before paying the visa fee. Find out more about the eVisa requirements.


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