Three Days Tour-Bahir Dar & Lake Tana Monasteries

Days

Trip Description

01 –

Flight Addis Ababa toBahir Dar

Bahir Dar is the capital of the Amhara region situated on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country. Bahir Dar is one of the best well-planned cities in Ethiopia. Bahir Dar means “by the side of the sea”.

Visit of the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as ”Tissiat” – which means “Smoking Water.”  The Falls are 328 feet wide and the water plunges some 150 feet, which can leave you soaked from a kilometre away, giving rise to picturesque stream clouds and rain-bows.Blue Nile Falls is 32kms from the city. On a clear sunny day you can walk for about 30min walk to the base of the falls. 

A short distance down the Blue Nile lies a stone bridge, potentially one of the famed seven stone bridges built by the emperor Fasilides built in 1626. This river with the White Nile serves as the main tributaries to the Nile, the world’s longest river.

Have a look around the city of Bahir dar including the Bazawit Hill Top which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding, the city, the islands of Lake Tana and Blue Nile leaving the lake. With some luck hippopotamus colonies can be seen at the bottom. There is the palace of Emperor Hailesillasie built in the 1960s which you could see from the outside.

02-

Bahir Dar

Boat ride to theLake Tana Monastries

Embark on a cruise on Lake Tana, the largest highland lake in Ethiopia.  Lake Tana is also the source of the Blue Nile, a fact that may explain many of Ethiopia’s links with the ancient world.  Even today, the papyrus tankwa that sail the lake bear a striking resemblance to the boats of Ancient Egypt.

Visit the Zeghie Peninsula, known for its 14th century, round, grass roofed churches and their magnificent wall murals, the Azoa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mehret churches, its architectural style is a typical example of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church having mud plastered round wall with conical thatched roof. Ura is known especially for its fine frescoes, manuscripts, ecclesiastical objects like crown of various emperors dated from the 14thc, processional crosses of silver& gold, silver-drum and royal vestments, and an impressive display of illuminated bibles written in Ge’ez, the religious language from which Amharic is derived. And then walk through dense forest with lots of bird life.

Visit some of the beautiful monasteries nestled on the islands and peninsulas around the lake and wander through the coffee plantations. Enjoy some of the local brews and meet the local farmers.

As the monasteries were used for religious retreats, the lake and its islands serve as an unofficial nature reserve. Look out for white pelicans and ‘air breathing’ catfish. Your boat tour will end at Zege peninsula. There is a short path walk towards Ura Kidrane Mehret, arguably the most beautiful of all the churches on the lake, with hundred-year-old characterful frescos.

Day 04 –

Flight back to Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa & Departure

Transfer to Bahir Dar airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.

Last minute shopping in Addis Ababa or relaxing at your hotel and transfer to your hotel for the day use.

Visit to Entoto Hills – best introduction place to Addis Ababa. Mt. Entoto is the highest peak in Addis Ababa reaching 3,200 meters above sea level, giving the opportunity to catch stunning views over the city and the surrounding area from the summit.

It is the first settlement in Addis Ababa where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace in 1887. It is a historical place which offers a unique glimpse into the history of Ethiopia’s distinct culture. The compound at the peak hosts the Entoto Mariam church, an Ethiopian artefact muse-um as well as Menelik II palace.

In addition to its historical significance as one drive up the hill there is an appreciable drop in temperature and the air is filled with the scent of the Eucalyptus trees which line the road.

On the way up the roadside stalls offers fresh Ethiopian coffee.  Also, if you have an interest in Ethiopian traditional clothes stop by at Shero Meda Market. There is a wide variety of beautiful fabrics, shawls, scarves, dresses, tops and jewellery with lots of choice and really good for gift ideas.

Tonight you will have a wonderful cultural evening at one of Addis Ababa Restaurant; Ethiopia is a mosaic of people with more than 80 languages, different lifestyles, costumes and cultural dances. Take a chance to experience some of these cultural dances and traditional meals with a drink of Tej, a type of wine made from Honey.

DEPARTURE      Hope you enjoyed your stay with us, Many thanks for coming & Have the safest flight.