Tiss Abay Falls: Ethiopia's 'Great Smoke'
Experience the majestic Tiss Abay Falls near Bahir Dar, Ethiopia – a natural wonder with stunning cascades and rich cultural significance.
Tiss Abay Falls, also known as the Blue Nile Falls, is a stunning waterfall near Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Known locally as 'Tis Abay' meaning 'Great Smoke' in Amharic, it's one of Ethiopia's most enchanting natural attractions. The falls are most impressive during the rainy season (June to early September).
A brief summary to Tiss Abay Falls
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Local tips
- Visit during the rainy season (June to early September) for the most powerful and dramatic views of the falls.
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and bring water, as the terrain can be rugged.
- Consider hiring a local guide to learn about the history, significance, and local culture surrounding the falls.
- Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
- Respect the local culture and environment by sticking to designated paths and minimizing waste.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Bahir Dar, take a bus to Tis Abay village from the main bus station near the stadium. Buses depart approximately every hour, with a journey time of around 1 hour. The fare is approximately 15-30 Ethiopian Birr. From Tis Abay village, it's about a 30-minute walk to the falls. Pay the entrance fee of 50 Birr per person at the ticket office in Tis Abay. The ticket office is open from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
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Walking
From the Tis Abay ticket office, follow the path leading to the falls. There are a few routes to choose from, including one that crosses the 17th-century Portuguese bridge. The walk takes about 1-2 hours each way, offering scenic views of the countryside. A shorter option involves crossing the river by motorboat (20 Birr per person) and then walking for about 20 minutes to the base of the waterfall.
Discover more about Tiss Abay Falls
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bahir Dar Viewpoint
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Abay Minch Lodge
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Addis Amba Hotel
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Blue Nile Hotel
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Ethio Nile Tours
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Naky Hotel
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Ethio Tours
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Rahnile Hotel
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Yotor Travel
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Bravo Ethiopia Tours
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Delano Hotel, Bahir Dar
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Unison Hotel
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Olive Hotel and Spa
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Unmissable attractions to see
Blue Nile Falls
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Armulch
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Paradise Lodge
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Maraki Green Area
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Warka /ዋርካ /
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Blue Nile
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Bahirdar
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Martyrs Monument
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Blue Nile Bridge
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Kitaw Ejigu Garden
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Evangelist Abate Welaniwos Memorial
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Eyayu Art Gallery
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Essential places to dine
BDU Zenzelima Café
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Honey garden
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Tankua Hotel
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Laounge
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Moon light
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Amanuel Restaurant
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Lemat Restaurant
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Ama-Zone Cafe and Restaurant
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Mama's Kitchen
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King Cafe and Restart
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Lake Shore Resort
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Piazza Restaurant & Bar
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Negarit Cafe and Restaurant
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Th HuB coffee maker
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Ours Cafe
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Abay Table Salt whole sale & retail shop
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SOL
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FilawSer Fashion
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Shekure steel shop
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Anduamlak ferede
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Signal mall
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Balageru Cultural Club
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Castel Kuriftu Wina Bar
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Arakii Bars
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Climax
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Club Paris
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Bar
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Banchu Grocery and Snack
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Ras Dashen Pub
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Limalemo Bar
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