Bahir Dar

Places of Interest - Ethiopia

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introduction

Bahir Dar is only too eager to profile herself as the Riviera of Ethiopia with its palm trees and wide boulevards. If there is a city in Ethiopia that can rely on this profile, it is indeed Bahir Dar. A cozy city with restaurants, cafes, restaurants and a very busy shopping street. It is therefore not surprising that President Salassie played in 1960 with the idea to move the capital here. Ideally located around 2000 meters altitude it is certainly worthwhile to stay in this city for a few days.

Next to the city you can see the monasteries built in the 16th and 17th century on islands in the lake Tana closeby. You can also visit the market in the village Tis isat just outside Bahir Dar and the blue Nile waterfalls. Bahir Dar is located exactly between the tourist attraction "Gondor" and Addis Ababa and is therefore easy to combine. You can also reach "Lalibela" by bus from here.

highlights

Monasteries (in Lake Tana):

Located in the largest lake of Ethiopia are several islands with monasteries built in the 16th and 17th century although the foundations are already much older. The lake is the source of the blue Nile that eventually flows into the Mediterranean and is one of the longest rivers in the world.

On these unique islands were often temporary capitals established of the then existing empire. This was also the place where the Jesuits (Portuguese) tried to force Catholicism on the Ethiopians - with all its consequences.

You can rent a (speed) boat together with a group and visit different islands (including monasteries). Note that in addition to the trip you must pay per monastery (to the priest). On average about 30 to 50 Birr per monastery.

PAY ATTENTION: women are not allowed to enter all monasteries.

Blue Nile waterfalls (Tis Isat):

You have to sit on the bus for about 45 minutes, but it's worth it. You get off in the busy market town Tis Isat which means smoking water literally. Here is het ticketoffice for the park (30 Birr). If you only come for the waterfalls, do so only in the rainy season - the rest of the year the falls are not so impressive (anymore).

But the park itself is a very rustic and natural place to walk around. If you are lucky you can spot monkeys, parrots and other birds. There is also a chance that you will encounter local Ethiopians, on the way to the market, in (partly) traditional clothing. Finally you can get delicious honey wine in a cafe in the main street waiting for the bus back to Bahir Dar.

TIP: please note that if you walk a round (circuit what most tourists walk) you have to take a boat to the other side of the river. Do not pay more than 10 to 15 Birr for this short boat ride.

tips & advice (2012)

The large bus station is located in the centre of the city and is reasonably well-arranged (for Ethiopian concepts). People will come up to you immediately entering the busstation or arriving by bus – a tour to the monasteries, a hotel, another busride or a tour.

Bahir Dar - Tis Isat (Blue Nile waterfalls): 45 minutes, around 7 Birr, the minibus goes regularly

Bahir Dar - Addis Ababa: there are enough buses to the capital and you can choose of:

"Skybus" = 380 Birr (7 to 8 hours)
"Selam" = 350 Birr (9 hours)
Local bus = 160 Birr (10 to 12 hours)

Bahir Dar Hotel: a great place with a large terrace - a bit touristy and upmarket but sometimes that is allowed and necessary (fries + chicken for 12 Birr).

Name: Hotel Tadesse

Address: Between the port and the bus station

Price: 140 Birr (including shower and toilet)

Content:

An excellent hotel (for Ethiopian standards) in the center of the city and yet in a quiet street. It is new and safe - as there are constant (day and night) guards walking around. There is even a person around who just do the cleaning. The room is also very nice.

If you want go out in Bahir Dar and you dont want to go to an expensive tourist club that starts in the middle of the night, these low-threshold bardancings might be something in Bahir Dar. Near the center in a reasonably wide road are two cafes; beer is affordable - near restaurant "Amanuel" and "Balageru" cultural club.

There are also a few cafes where many too young children (girls) are prostituted so be aware.

Bahir Dar

Places of Interest - Ethiopia

introduction

highlights

tips & advice (2012)

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