Natural Wonder · Historic Northern Ethiopia
Blue Nile Falls
Near Bahir Dar, the Blue Nile plunges more than 40 metres over a wide basalt lip, throwing up a mist that drenches onlookers and paints rainbows across the gorge.
- Best Time
- August to December
- Suggested Stay
- Half day
- Altitude
- 1,700 m
- Region
- Historic Northern Ethiopia
Why We Go
Tis Issat, the “Smoking Water”, thundering into a basalt gorge.
Known locally as Tis Issat, the falls lie about 30 kilometres from Bahir Dar. In full flood they can stretch some 400 metres wide, and the continuous spray sustains a small evergreen forest full of monkeys and birds.
The walking trail crosses open fields before descending to a fortified stone bridge built in the 17th century, then climbs a grassy hillside to the main viewpoint. Water flow is partly regulated by a hydroelectric scheme upstream, so the falls are most impressive during and just after the rains, from August to December.
Highlights
- The 17th-century Portuguese bridge over the gorge
- Rainbows in the spray after the rainy season
- A short walk through farmland to the viewpoint
- Monkeys and colourful birds in the riverine forest
Journeys Including Blue Nile Falls
Routes that pass through here
More in Historic Northern Ethiopia
Plan This Destination
Build Blue Nile Falls into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and our team will plan the route, including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
Let’s Plan Your Ethiopian Adventure
Tell us a little about your travel plans. We’ll help you create a journey that suits your interests.
Discover Ethiopia. Experience the Extraordinary!
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.
Or call us directly on +251 912 039405