The falls
Brown water between volcanic rocks.
Geertchaos — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nina R from Africa — CC BY 2.0 · Radosław Botev — CC BY 3.0 pl · Radosław Botev — CC BY 3.0 pl · Nina R from Africa — CC BY 2.0
The Blue Nile Falls are a waterfall on the Blue Nile in the Amhara Region, known in Amharic as Tis Abay, great smoke. They lie on the upper course of the river, about 30 km from Bahir Dar and Lake Tana. They are among the best-known sights in Ethiopia, and in the rainy season spray rises like smoke, when the falls are at full force. They are 42 m high with four streams, ranging from a trickle in the dry season to over 400 m wide in the rains. Since 2003 a hydroelectric station has taken much of the flow except in the rainy season. A short distance below the falls stands the first stone bridge built in Ethiopia, ordered by Emperor Susenyos in 1626. You walk from the village on a stone path among fields and trees, and cross the old bridge or a suspension bridge to reach a point facing the falls, where brown water drops between volcanic rocks. In the dry season the flow falls, so do not expect the full scene in every photo. The ground is slippery near the spray, so wear sturdy shoes. They are about 26 km in a straight line from Bahir Dar. The finest time is just after the rains, from September to November. Carry cash for a ticket and a local guide. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to the Amhara region, and access may not be possible, so check official guidance before making any plans.
Brown water between volcanic rocks.
From 1626.
Among fields and trees.
Near Bahir Dar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
During and after the rains, as the hydro station takes much of the flow in the dry season.
Check official guidance first, as the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to the Amhara region.