Bahirdar

Bahir Dar is the jumping-off point for visits to the spectacular scenic and historic attractions of Lake Tana – Ethiopia’s giant inland sea. In their funerary texts, the Pharaohs referred to it as “Lake Karou of the Country of the Happy.” In the middle Ages, churches sought refuge on the islands of Lake Tana and due in part to the difficult access are to this day rich in Ethiopian illuminated manuscripts, religious paintings and other treasures. Lake Tana is the source and from where the famed Blue Nile starts its long journey to Khartoum, and on to the Mediterranean. The 37 islands that are scattered about the surface of the lake shelter fascinating churches and monasteries. Some of which have histories dating back to the 13th century.