Lake Tana
Discover the mystery of the Blue Nile
Majestic and mysterious Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile which floats from there to the Soudan. Just 30 kilometers outside of Bahir Dar are the famous Bleu Nile Falls. On the islands in the lake are 15th century Monasteries. One of them can only be visited by men. The mural paintings in their churches represents beautifull pieces of religious art. The moncks show you their treasures and religious manuscripts, written in Geez on goat and horse skin. Transport is done on small wooden rafts but tourist can make a tour with small boats. Bahir Dar is a city with many shops, bars and small hotels. In some cafees is live traditional music were musicians play the harp and sing.
Long hidden from the knowledge of western geographers and explorers it was not until the expeditions of such great travellers as Bruce, Burton and Speke that the secret of the Nile which had fascinated and eluded the ancient Romans and Greeks was revealed. Then it was confirmed that the White Nile originates in East Africa, in Lake Victoria, while the Blue Nile pours out of Ethiopias Lake Tana. The two rivers merge into the Nile proper at Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.
As it plunges more than 2,000 meters in its 800 kilometer course from Ethiopia to the plains of the Sudan it is the Blue Nile which embodies the drama and mystery of the great river history. Beginning its journey with a thundering cascade of 50 meters over the 400 meters wide Tissisat Falls, 30 kliometers downstream from the point where it leaves Lake Tana.
Related Travel Information
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Lake Ngami
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There are many Fish Eagles, which often prey on the local flamingos.
The shores
Lake Volta
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