Bahir Dar
Photo: Agreement between Ghent University (Belgium), the Ethiopian Mapping Agency (now Ethiopian Geospatial Information Institute) and Mekelle University (Ethiopia) / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Ethiopia Amhara Region 2 tours

Bahir Dar

Lakeside Amhara capital at 1,840 m — palm-lined boulevards, Lake Tana monastery boats, and the gateway to Blue Nile Falls.

Country

Ethiopia

Region

Amhara Region

Best time

September–April

About Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar is Amhara's regional capital and sits on the southern shore of Lake Tana. Its palm-shaded promenade along the lake earns it a 'Riviera of Africa' reputation. Gateway for Lake Tana monastery boat cruises and the 30 km transfer to the Blue Nile Falls. The Bezawit Hill viewpoint gives sunset panoramas over the entire city and lake.

Highlights

  • Lakefront promenade + sunset cruises
  • Boat departures to Lake Tana monasteries
  • Blue Nile Falls 30 km away
  • Bezawit Hill panorama
  • Tis Abay village + 17th-century bridge

Best time to visit

September–April

Itineraries

Tours that visit Bahir Dar

Choose a curated departure or use any of these as a starting point — we'll tailor the itinerary, dates and pace to you.

Gondar & Lake Tana Castles — 4 Days
Photo: A. Davey from Where I Live Now: Pacific Northwest / CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Ethiopia
From
$1190/pp
4 days / 3 nights
Cultural & Heritage Easy

Gondar & Lake Tana Castles — 4 Days

Ethiopia's 'Camelot' — royal castles, island monasteries and Blue Nile Falls.

  • Airport/hotel transfers throughout the circuit
  • 3 nights accommodation in comfortable heritage or lakeside hotels (bed & breakfast)
  • Private road transport Bahir Dar – Gondar with English-speaking guide