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| Home : The Historical North |
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Ethiopia - Historical North
Bahar Dar...
Bahar Dar, located on thi- southern most shore of Lake Tana has remained an important commercial centre of the region, Ona can observe men in tankwas (papyrus canoes) bringing their wares to market as their ancestors have done for centuries. The town has several attractions such as the Hippopotamus thal may be seen from the bridge where the Blue Nile starts its 800-kilometre journey to the Nile River. Bahar Dar is a convenient base for trips on Lake Tana - The source of the Blue Nile - and excursions to the roaring Blue Nile Falls.
Lake Tana....
 Of the thirty-seven islands of Lake Tana, some twenty shelter churches and monasteries of significant historical and cultural interest. Many of the churches were founded in the late 16th or early 17th century and their buildings date back over two hundred years. Some are closed to women, but Ura Kidane Meherth (Saint Mary Church)
is oppn to both genders and is located only a short boat-ride out of Bahar Dar. With Walls constructed of mud and straw, and a thatched roof, the church contains. colourful frescoes depicting scenes from biblical lore and from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
.... and the Blue Nile Falls
Known locally as Tis Isat - "Smoke of Fire" - the Blue Nile Falls is the most spectacular sight on the whole Nile system. Located thirty-five kilometres from Bahar Dar, this torrent of gushing water plunges four hundred meters over a sheer chasm more than forty-five metres deep, throwing up a continuous spray that drenches onlookers more than half a kilometre away.
The twenty-minute trek to the vantage point from the parking area is an experience in its own class. One will pass through green fields and meadows, descend into the gorge, cross a seventeenth century bridge, interact with residents of a traditional village and then walk a path that meanders over a grassy hillside before being treated to the moat spectacular climax - Tis Isat.
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