Bahir Dar

Situated at the southern tip of Lake Tana, Bahir Dar, which is the capital of the Amahra Region, claims to be one of the most beautiful cities in Ethiopia. Emperor Haile-Sillasse chose Bahir Dar to have a palace erected on a hill overlooking the city and Lake Tana.

Bahir Dar partly owes its current rapid growth to the churches of Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls which attract thousands of tourists. The largest lake in Ethiopia, Tana, is the home of numerous medieval churches many of which are known for their wonderful murals, illuminated manuscripts and decorated crosses. For travelers with limited amount of time the dazzlingly decorated church of Ura Kidane-Mihret lays just one hour boat trip away from Bahir Dar. Those with less time constraints could explore several churches, enjoying their own distinct and unique identities. Above all, Narga Silasse in the middle of the Lake and Debre Sina Maryam on the northern shore are not to be missed.

Lake Tana is also the source of the Blue Nile which along with other rivers originating in Ethiopia contributes 85% of the water to this longest river in the world, the Nile. Just 30 kilometers south of Bahirdar the Blue Nile creates a breathtaking view at Tis Abay Water Falls.