Full-Day in Bahir Dar with Boat Trip, Blue Nile Falls, Market and Culture

Blue Nile Falls

Highlights

Explore the vibrant Bahir Dar local market for coffee, crafts, and spices

Hike to the stunning Blue Nile Falls and cross the historic Portuguese bridge

Climb Bezawit Palace Hill for panoramic views of the city, lake, and river

Stroll along the lakeside boulevard at sunset for a peaceful end to the day

Bahir Dar

nature, cultural, photography

Private Tour

1 Day

Hard

Amharic, Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Description

Discover the beauty and culture of Bahir Dar with a full-day itinerary that includes a scenic boat trip to historic monasteries on Lake Tana, where you can admire ancient religious art and manuscripts. Visit the bustling local market to experience everyday life and shop for traditional crafts and spices. Journey to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls for a short hike and breathtaking views. Climb Bezawit Palace Hill for panoramic vistas of the city, lake, and river.

Itinerary

Full-Day Bahir Dar Itinerary

Start with a boat trip on Lake Tana
- Visit two to three monasteries on the Zege Peninsula such as Ura Kidane Mehret, Azuwa Maryam, or Bete Maryam.
- Observe colorful religious murals, ancient crosses, and historic manuscripts.
- Enjoy the peaceful lake atmosphere and watch for hippos.
Return to the city for a lakeside lunch
- Choose a restaurant like Desset Resort or Kuriftu Resort for traditional Ethiopian dishes and lake views.
Explore Bahir Dar Market
- Shop for local coffee, handcrafted baskets, and spices.
- Experience the vibrant daily life of the city.
Drive to Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat)
- Hike to the falls and witness the powerful water flow, especially during the rainy season.
- Cross the historic Portuguese bridge and enjoy views of the surrounding rural villages.
Visit Bezawit Palace Hill
- Climb to the former Haile Selassie palace site for panoramic views of the city, Lake Tana, and the Blue Nile River.
Experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
- Attend a local coffee ceremony or visit an art gallery like Tana Arts to appreciate regional culture and crafts.
Conclude the day with a lakeside sunset walk or dinner
- Walk along the lakeside boulevard to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.
- Dine at a local restaurant such as Wude Café or Chewata Cultural Restaurant while enjoying cultural music and dance.

What's Included

Private or group boat ride on Lake Tana

Visit to two to three monasteries on Zege Peninsula such as Ura Kidane Mehret and Azuwa Maryam

Entry fees to monasteries (usually included in premium tours)

Pick-up and drop-off from hotel or airport

Transport to Blue Nile Falls, Bezawit Hill, and local markets

Use of 4x4 vehicle or minivan with professional driver

Fuel and road tolls covered

English-speaking (or local language) professional tour guide

Cultural explanations at monasteries and historical sites

What's Excluded

Hotel accommodation (budget, midrange, or luxury such as Kuriftu or Abay Minch Lodge)

Breakfast or full-board meals

Evening cultural show or live traditional music

Know Before You Go

Recognize that Bahir Dar is at about 1,840 meters above sea level. Altitude sickness is less common than in Addis Ababa but still possible for travelers arriving from lowlands.

Expect generally mild and pleasant weather with cooler mornings and evenings, especially near the lake.

Visit during the dry season from October to May for clear skies and easier hiking.

Prepare for the rainy season from June to September when trails may be slippery and Blue Nile Falls more spectacular but harder to access.

Join shared boat trips on Lake Tana or arrange private tours if preferred.

Bring seasickness medication if prone to motion sickness as boat rides can be bumpy.

Dress modestly and behave respectfully at monasteries by covering shoulders and avoiding shorts.

Carry your passport or ID for hotel check-ins and entry to certain sites.

Ask before taking photographs. Some monasteries charge photography fees.

Carry sufficient Ethiopian Birr for tips, entrance fees, and market purchases as cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels and restaurants.

Withdraw cash in advance, preferably in Addis Ababa, due to limited ATMs in Bahir Dar.

Drink only bottled or purified water. Eat at reputable restaurants to avoid stomach issues.

Participate in a traditional coffee ceremony to enjoy local culture.

Stay vigilant with belongings in crowded areas like markets and boats.

Avoid walking alone at night outside well-lit or busy areas for safety.

Expect generally good road conditions but plan extra travel time in rural areas.

Arrange transportation through your tour provider to reduce hassle.

Greet locals with “Selam” and say thank you with “Amesegenallo.”

Request permission before photographing people.

Respect religious customs at monasteries by maintaining silence, avoiding flash photography, and not touching icons.

What To Bring

Wear lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime

Choose long sleeves and pants or skirts to ensure modest dress for monastery visits; women should cover shoulders and legs

Bring a hat and sunglasses for sun protection

Use comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for visits to Blue Nile Falls and monasteries

Pack a light jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings, especially near the lake

Meeting Point

Hotel

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 10	/person
Child
1 to 10	/person
This is a private tour

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Full-Day in Bahir Dar with Boat Trip, Blue Nile Falls, Market and Culture

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Description

Itinerary

Full-Day Bahir Dar Itinerary

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

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Full-Day in Bahir Dar with Boat Trip, Blue Nile Falls, Market and Culture

Highlights

Languages

Description

Itinerary

Full-Day Bahir Dar Itinerary

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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