Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls: A 2-Day Trip Review

Planning a short escape to Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls? Well, so too I did, and let me share what that trip’s like. I spent a fantastic two days exploring this area in Ethiopia. I’ll touch on what to see, tips to make the most of your visit, and also a few things I wish I’d known beforehand. My goal is that you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your adventure!

Getting to Bahir Dar & Setting the Stage

The starting point, arguably, for visiting Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls is the city of Bahir Dar. You will usually get there by flying from Addis Ababa. The flight itself, as a matter of fact, is very short – generally under an hour. A bonus is that, seemingly, you get some truly spectacular aerial views of the Ethiopian landscape, like sprawling plateaus and winding rivers. It is worth it, for this reason alone. Bahir Dar itself, is, relatively speaking, a fairly laid-back city with a pleasant atmosphere. Also, so it is that palm trees line the streets and the lakefront. So it’s almost a welcome change of pace from the hustle of the capital.

When you get to Bahir Dar, you’ll discover a couple of decent hotels and guesthouses. Staying near the lake offers easy access to boat trips and viewpoints. To be honest, I chose a place with breakfast included, also, a rooftop terrace so I could watch the sun rise over Lake Tana – no regrets there!

Day 1: Monasteries of Lake Tana

Day one, arguably, was dedicated to exploring the monasteries dotted around Lake Tana. The lake has many islands, several with old monasteries that are real treasure troves of religious art and history. Very often, these monasteries are beautifully decorated with paintings that give you, arguably, some amazing glimpses into Ethiopian Orthodox traditions. To get to these monasteries, you generally need to, literally, hop on a boat, and this is where that fun starts.

I went to the shore, haggled a bit with a boat operator, and then finally arranged a trip to visit two of the more known monasteries: Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam. Bargaining, clearly, is a part of the culture, so, in short, do be prepared to politely negotiate the price down a bit. The boat ride itself, well, tends to be really pleasant. The fresh breeze and the views, seemingly, of the lake and surrounding landscapes are worth the trip all on their own.

Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery

Ura Kidane Mihret is that popular and, really, richly decorated monastery on the Zege Peninsula. That round building has a conical roof, and, of course, its interior walls are covered in detailed, vibrant murals. These paintings are like storybooks, narrating stories from the Bible and Ethiopian Orthodox legends. I spent ages, like seriously ages, gazing at each painting, listening to the guide explain their significance. Even if you’re not into religious art, arguably, the skill and devotion that went into these paintings is truly amazing. Remember that women might have limited access in some areas.

Azwa Mariam Monastery

Next stop was Azwa Mariam Monastery, located on another part of the lake. That monastery also had impressive paintings. What made Azwa Mariam stand out a little, anyway, was that quieter, much more peaceful atmosphere. The monastery grounds, seemingly, are a haven of serenity. Seeing some monks going about their daily routines added an extra layer to this cultural experience.

A Few Things To Consider When Visiting the Monasteries

A word to the wise: dress modestly when you’re going to visit the monasteries. It’s a sign of respect, right? Shoulders and knees covered is usually the way to go. Also, it is that hiring a local guide, truly, does add to the experience. So too it is that they know all the stories behind the paintings. Furthermore, like this information isn’t typically on display, anyway, that’s the best way to learn more about their cultural significance.

Also, it’s almost useful to carry some small change for donations. It helps to keep the monasteries running. Also, so be ready to remove your shoes before entering some of the buildings. It’s, seemingly, a common practice.

Day 2: The Awesome Blue Nile Falls

Day two was waterfall day! I mean, a visit to the Blue Nile Falls, called Tis Issat in Amharic (“smoking fire”), is something of a must when you’re in the area. Though the falls aren’t as mighty as they used to be, with a hydro-electric plant diverting some of the water, but really, they’re still an impressive sight and great photo opps.

Getting to the Falls

You’ve got, obviously, a couple of options for getting to the Blue Nile Falls from Bahir Dar. Some visitors go on that organized tour, but, truthfully, I decided to hire a private taxi for the day, and this worked out really well for me. The drive is around an hour. So too it is that a private taxi lets you stop along the way. Then, to take in some local scenery or snap a few quick photos.

The Experience

When you arrive, it’s a bit of a walk to get to the best viewpoints. I want to say, the path takes you across an old, slightly swaying Portuguese bridge, that is somewhat nerve-wracking for people afraid of heights! As you approach, honestly, you can hear the roar of the falls getting louder and louder. And that anticipation just makes everything more rewarding.

That sight of the Blue Nile Falls is amazing, actually. Though, truthfully, the volume of water varies depending on the time of year (rainy season is best!), even so, so too it is that you will find they cascade down the cliff face, and throwing up clouds of spray, too it’s really something. The “smoking fire” name makes so much sense when you’re standing there! I spent some time just soaking it all in, capturing a few photos, but that, really, doesn’t do the location justice. There’s also, so it is that a small entry fee to pay, but, literally, it’s not much at all.

Extra Activities Near the Falls

Close to the falls, seemingly, you might also find local shops selling souvenirs. I stopped and, arguably, bought a handcrafted scarf as a reminder of my visit. You can easily find a guide around the falls who can take you down some less traveled routes. Maybe down to see the hydro-electric plant and show you that way that the Blue Nile supports both old and modern traditions in the country.

What I wish I’d known before the Trip

Looking back, arguably, there are a couple of things I’d advise knowing before you visit Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls.

• Best time to visit: For that Blue Nile Falls in full flow, literally, plan your visit during or after the rainy season (June to September). The Lake Tana Monasteries, naturally, are nice to visit anytime, even so.
• Pack essentials: Honestly, bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. You’ll also want insect repellent, because of that mosquitoes around the lake.
• Learn a few Amharic phrases: Learning very basic Amharic phrases really, honestly, goes a long way with locals. Like “Selam” (hello) and “Ameseggenalhu” (thank you).
• Be patient and flexible: Things in Ethiopia, seemingly, don’t always run like clockwork. Also, accept delays or changes to your plans. That just go with the flow.

Budgeting for your Trip

Now, so it is that budgeting is the sort of part that everyone cares about, right? Here’s a rough idea of what that 2-day trip could cost, based on my own experience:

• Flights: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar return can be somewhere around $80 – $150, actually, depending on when you’re traveling and how far in advance you book.
• Accommodation: Budget guesthouses in Bahir Dar could set you back somewhere around $20 – $40 per night. Plusher hotels, literally, cost more, actually.
• Tours and Entrance Fees: The boat trip to the monasteries might cost roughly $20 – $30 per person, and maybe you have entrance fees of a few dollars at each monastery. Transport to and entry at the Blue Nile falls, honestly, probably cost roughly $30 – $50, actually, depending on if you group together and share taxis with anyone else.
• Food: Eating in Ethiopia doesn’t always break the bank. Local meals might average around $5 – $10. So try the injera and stew in town for something a little unique!

Overall, honestly, for a mid-range traveler, arguably, you’re probably looking at a budget of around $200 – $400 for this 2-day getaway, not including shopping. Depending on transport choices and accommodation, very.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, thoroughly! A trip to Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls gives you culture, history and some great, grand scenery, actually all rolled into a short, nice trip. Plus, arguably, it offers a peek into the heart of Ethiopia beyond just the big cities. Whether you’re drawn to religious history, interested in landscapes, or just seeking that cultural immersion, seriously, you’re really likely to find something here to love. My two days there were so rich. A blend of visual amazement and genuine connections with local people, you will go away feeling you have actually learned something about the culture and the history.

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