Bahir Dar
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One of the destinations in the historic root (north) is Bahir Dar which
is 573 kilometers from Addis Ababa , accessible by good Asphalt road and
daily by plane. It is located on the southern shore of Lake Tana , its
altitude is 1820 meters above sea level. It is a base for excursions on
Lake Tana and Blue Nile falls.
Lake Tana: It is one of the largest lakes in Ethiopia and it is also the
source of Blue Nile . It has an area of 3600 square kilometers, it has
many churches and monasteries; most of the churches are built during the
Medieval period.
The churches and monasteries have historical and cultural interest. Some
are decorated with beautiful paintings and are the repository of innumerable
treasures. Both the islands and peninsula of Lake Tana can be reached
by boat from the port Bahirdar.
Blue Nile falls: Locally known as ‘Tis Isat’ (the water that smokes),
it is 32 kilometers from Bahirdar.
It is one of the largest spectacular water falls in Africa ; depending
on seasonal fluctuation the level of the water changes.
Blue Nile river is the longest river in the world.
The altitude drops from Lake Tana to the Sudanese frontier.
The Town Bahir Dar has color full market, a variety of handicrafts, weaving
products, locally made canoes (Tankuas) which are made of Papyrus, and
there is a panoramic view of the town near to the late Emperor Haile Selassie
palace; and some times Hippos are also seen along the Blue Nile River
.