It's located on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Is more or less a modern Ethiopian town with wide avenues of palms.
The main attraction is the selection of Ethiopian Christian monasteries which are found on some 20 of Lake Tana's 37 islands. You can reach it renting a boat ride.
The monasteries date from the 16th and 17th centuries and They are simple huts decorated with colorful scenes from the Bible and lives of the saints.
Things to do
The Blue Nile Falls are an amazing waterfall. They are situated on the upper course of the river, about 30 kilometers downstream from the town of Bahir Dar and Lake Tana.
The falls are estimated to be between 37 and 45 meters high. Regulation of Lake Tana now reduces the variation and it depends of the season you visit ethiopia is not that impresive.
The Zege Peninsula is home to the Ura Kidane Mihret and Bet Maryam monasteries. The former is one of the most-visited of the monasteries. The round building consists of three concentric circle. The center one is the Holy of Holies containing the monastery's replica of the Ark. The walls are covered in bright paintings, many of which depict violent martyrdoms. Bet Maryam has an interesting museum/treasury.
Kibran Gebriel, which can only be visited by men (female visitors will be taken to a different island monastery nearby). It has an interesting museum, filled with old manuscripts, crowns and crosses. it's a shame women we cannot enter!
Lake Tana, the largest lake, in Ethiopia is the source and from where the famed Blue Nile falls.
A sail or cruise on lake Tana is one of the most pleasant excursions for visitors to this region, particularly in the heart of the summer. Boats can be hired from the Marine Transport Authority in Bahir Dar.
Along the lakeshore birdlife , both local and migratory visitors, make this a an ideal place for birdwatchers.
