Lake Tana: Ethiopia's Inland Sea

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Explore Ethiopia's largest lake: Discover ancient monasteries, diverse wildlife, and the source of the Blue Nile in the heart of the Amhara region.

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Lack tana

Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile, is a mesmerizing inland sea dotted with island monasteries and diverse wildlife. Explore ancient churches, spot hippos and pelicans, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Amhara region.

A brief summary to Lack tana

Lake Tana, ET

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lack tana.

Hire a boat from Bahir Dar to explore the lake's monasteries; negotiate the price beforehand.
Visit during the dry season (November to February) for pleasant weather.
Respect the local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Bring binoculars for bird watching and spotting hippos.
Try the local fish dishes served in restaurants around Bahir Dar.

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Getting There

Boat

The primary way to explore Lake Tana and its monasteries is by boat from Bahir Dar. Head to the Marine Authority compound or the Lake Tana Tour Guide Association to arrange a boat trip. Negotiate the price, which typically ranges from ETB 1500-3000 (USD 25-50) for a half-day tour, depending on the number of monasteries visited and the size of the boat. Some hotels can also arrange boat tours. Be sure to confirm which monasteries are included in the tour and whether entrance fees (typically ETB 100 per monastery) are included.
Public Transport

To reach Bahir Dar, you can take a bus from Addis Ababa. Several 'luxury' bus companies, such as Selam Bus, Skybus, and Ethio Bus, operate daily services. The journey takes 10-12 hours and costs around ETB 350 (USD 6). Buses depart early in the morning, around 5 am. Alternatively, Ethiopian Airlines offers flights to Bahir Dar from Addis Ababa. Check for potential discounts if you flew into Ethiopia with the airline.

Discover more about Lack tana

Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia, is a captivating destination steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the Amhara region, in the north-western Ethiopian Highlands, this vast inland sea stretches approximately 84 kilometers long and 66 kilometers wide. Its formation, dating back about 5 million years to the early Pleistocene epoch, resulted from volcanic activity blocking the courses of inflowing rivers. Known to ancient Egyptians as Coloe and praised by ancient Greeks as the 'copper-tinted jewel of Ethiopia,' Lake Tana has been a vital part of the region's identity for centuries. The lake is fed by seven large permanent rivers and 40 small seasonal rivers, with the Gilgel Abbay (Little Nile River), Megech, Gumara, and Rib rivers as the main tributaries. Its waters are home to diverse wildlife, including over 20 endemic fish species, hippos, and a wide array of birdlife, including Great White Pelicans. Lake Tana is famed for its island monasteries, many dating back to medieval times. These monasteries, hidden on the lake's islands and peninsulas, served as sanctuaries for religious relics, royal treasures, and the remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors. Nineteen of the lake's thirty-seven islands are believed to have monasteries or churches. Among the most notable are Ura Kidane Mihret, known for its stunning ecclesiastic art; Tana Qirqos, believed to have housed the Ark of the Covenant; and Daga Estifanos, where several emperors are interred. Boat trips from Bahir Dar, the largest city on the lake's shores, offer access to these historical and cultural treasures. In 2015, the Lake Tana region was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its national and international natural and cultural significance. Whether exploring ancient monasteries, witnessing diverse wildlife, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the lake, Lake Tana offers an unforgettable Ethiopian experience.