Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay)
Photo: CT Snow from Hsinchu, Taiwan / CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Ethiopia Amhara Region 2 tours

Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay)

A thunderous 45-metre waterfall 30 km from Bahir Dar — 'Tis Abay' means 'water that smokes'.

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Country

Ethiopia

Region

Amhara Region

Best time

August–September (peak flow); October–January (photogenic)

About Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay)

The Blue Nile Falls plunge 45 metres over a 400-metre-wide escarpment at Tis Issat, near the village of Tis Abay 30 km south-east of Bahir Dar. Once known as one of the greatest waterfalls in Africa, a hydro-electric upstream has reduced dry-season flow, but the wet-season spectacle (July–September) is still breath-taking. A 17th-century Portuguese-built stone bridge leads to the viewpoint.

Highlights

  • 45-metre waterfall
  • 400-metre-wide rim
  • 17th-century Portuguese bridge
  • Boat + 45-minute walk from Bahir Dar
  • Peak flow Aug–Sep

Best time to visit

August–September (peak flow); October–January (photogenic)

Itineraries

Tours that visit Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay)

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
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