Island Monasteries · Historic Northern Ethiopia
Bahir Dar & Lake Tana
A palm-lined lakeside town on the shore of Ethiopia’s largest lake, whose islands shelter painted monasteries and centuries-old manuscripts.
- Best Time
- September to July
- Suggested Stay
- 1 to 2 days
- Altitude
- 1,800 m
- Region
- Historic Northern Ethiopia
Why We Go
Island monasteries, papyrus boats and the source of the Blue Nile.
Bahir Dar has always been a centre of trade, and fishermen still use tankwas (small papyrus boats) on the lake. Today it is a pleasant base with palm-lined avenues, colourful markets and weaving workshops, and the starting point for exploring Lake Tana.
The lake’s islands and peninsulas hold some twenty monasteries. Ura Kidane Mehret on the Zege Peninsula is famous for its vivid frescoes; Dega Estifanos guards icons and the remains of several emperors; Kibran Gabriel has a cathedral-like church first built in the 17th century. Some island monasteries admit men only, and your guide will plan accordingly.
Highlights
- Boat trip to Ura Kidane Mehret and its painted murals
- Dega Estifanos and the remains of medieval emperors
- Fishermen in traditional papyrus tankwa boats
- Pelicans and hippos where the Blue Nile leaves the lake
Journeys Including Bahir Dar & Lake Tana
Routes that pass through here
More in Historic Northern Ethiopia
Plan This Destination
Build Bahir Dar & Lake Tana into your journey
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Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our guides travel these routes all year. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or the best time to visit. You will get a straight answer.
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