Bahir Dar Adventures: Top Outdoor Activities You Can’t Miss

Bahir Dar, a chill town on the shores of Lake Tana in Ethiopia, that, it’s not only about chilling by the water but very, very much a jumping-off point for some incredible outdoor adventures. We’re talking stunning landscapes, rich history, and experiences you won’t forget anytime soon, arguably. So, grab your walking shoes; let’s look at some sweet ways to experience Bahir Dar’s wild side.

1. Lake Tana Boat Trips and Monastery Visits

Okay, you can’t swing by Bahir Dar without taking a boat out on Lake Tana. It’s like, the thing to do. These boat trips often include visits to some really old monasteries on the lake’s islands, that they are filled with colorful religious paintings and historical artifacts. The Ura Kidane Mihret monastery, so located on the Zege Peninsula, that it’s arguably one of the more well-known, with its awesome circular structure and striking murals. That’s something you want to make memories of, in fact. Hop on board and experience this wonder. You’ll find local guides very, very ready to share stories about the monasteries, so it’s like a history lesson mixed with some pretty fantastic views. As a matter of fact, boat rides will typically run you for a part of the day or you can just dedicate a whole day to do it, which is often done in most scenarios.

Then there is Azwa Mariam Monastery in the Gorgora Peninsula, so famous for its incredible architecture with interiors with beautiful decorated frescoes. As I was saying, taking in all the artistry from local artist is such a fun thing to witness first hand! Then that brings me to, Narga Selassie Monastery at Dek Island and its one of the places you may want to see. Obviously the place may seem isolated when you’re there and its quite a relaxing place as well.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. Lake Tana that it’s home to different kinds of birds, so expect to spot pelicans, fish eagles, and maybe even some hippos if you are very lucky, in a way. Bring your camera; the views can be a little inspiring when that sun shines just right. So, too its almost a reminder, you’re experiencing something pretty special.

2. Tiss Issat: The Majestic Blue Nile Falls

Speaking of impressive, you gotta see the Blue Nile Falls, or Tiss Issat which translates to “smoking water.” As a matter of fact, the flow has been somewhat regulated due to a hydro electric plant near by, they’re still a sight, in other words. The falls cascade down from what is approximately 45 meters (148 feet) giving you the chance to get drenched. You get the full effect with a quick boat ride to the base of the falls, that it will truly give you some unique vantage points of the falls themselves, so the spray from falls provides that awesome rainbow effect if the weather plays along! Anyway, the place just teems with all types of greeneries, so I think you won’t want to miss a bit. That that place is also very famous for photo-ops.

Okay, from Bahir Dar, it’s just a one-hour drive, but just make it two or so so that there won’t be any rush and you enjoy your sight seeings in the local communities along the roads. Anyway you go through a local market on your way towards the waterfalls! The experience from locals is really what I am referring to when you are literally taking in the surroundings. Of course, you’ll want to dedicate about three to four hours of you day or maybe half-a-day so you’re literally taking everything at your pace. Make a bit of that a picnic, which you’ll cherish for the longest time after.

Now, I am going to mention the bridge, very aptly named, the Portuguese Bridge is actually a landmark located only within 1 kilometer of the Blue Nile Falls. This bridge is such an architectural display which demonstrates great design, using lime and egg mixture to bring together this place. Then that tells you that the olden day architecture can come through great construction skill without todays construction materials. Don’t get all hyped as its actually been restored in year 1660’s after being built 60 years prior!

3. Hiking Mount Bezawit for Panoramic Views

So, want to stretch your legs a bit? As a matter of fact, give Mount Bezawit a whirl. Arguably, the hill overlooking Bahir Dar gives you these unreal panoramic views of Lake Tana and the city below. The path is not too hard to get through and it gets through a bit of a green area where you may or may not see baboons in there respective natural habit, and by default will offer you very nice scenic view along the way. Plan your scenic hike today. A bit of advice, try to do this towards the end of the day during sun down. Then you will start enjoying these incredible sundown colors! As I was saying, do bring a good pair of boots and water since the hike is relatively 3kms long.

Basically, this is what will make your afternoon from good to outstanding! You’re essentially walking from the town, upwards a zig zag roads and seeing everything from top! Obviously there is this place called Bezawit Royal Palace that sits on top but its one of those that requires permit.

That, so after the hiking, just sit back relax and sip that beer. Its definitely needed and you deserved it! Of course the beer that tastes better from the top!

4. Exploring Bahir Dar Market

I mean, if you really desire some culture? It’s always good to make your way to Bahir Dar’s local market! The sounds, the smells, and all colors is very much something of an sensory encounter. The atmosphere really tells something in an authentic manner, in some respects. Arguably that you will spot unique ingredients or products in some corners there and don’t be afraid to ask vendors some info that are in local Amharic Language and learn a few! Be very willing to bargain if that’s your vibe!

Frankly you may encounter some pottery or woodwork, just try and make connections. As I was saying, always shop ethically, from shops ran by female solo owners so that they are empowered. And if you do so, its guaranteed that you’ll probably strike very easy conversations from there. At least make one!

Oh I will have to mention one thing, make sure you don’t take pictures of locals without consent or its seen to be culturally unacceptable and potentially harmful as locals from older ages are conservative on photos taken without concent. In fact, being mindful goes a long way!

5. Birdwatching on Lake Tana

Speaking of our feathery companions, Lake Tana, too, it’s really a birdwatcher’s something amazing and fun. I would say grab a pair of binoculars and head out on a boat or find a peaceful spot along the shoreline. Different kinds of species can be spotted when just sitting near the lake in early hours. You may just spot African Fish Eagles. Kingfishers. Pelicans. Or Cranes. Then just sit tight or still when they soar through in a close range and enjoy what you’re witnessing for!

So make sure, when the days is not a bit rainy, then the chances of witnessing some flying action is at its peek. Also, there a good change of finding some locals guides where some of them can explain different kinds of spices in great detail as well. The key point is don’t be so aggressive when trying to take photos, or that they tend to fly or get distracted!

Anyway just bring a simple book with different birds just in case you wanna get nerdy! Anyway just enjoy and the quite will refresh what the urban buzz always take from you.