5 days Exploring North Ethiopia's Rich History and Culture

Bahir Dar , Ethiopia

5 days Exploring North Ethiopia's Rich History and Culture

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(5 reviews)

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About this experience

World Heritage–listed Harar is a place apart. With its 368 alleyways squeezed into just 1 sq km, it’s more reminiscent of Fez in Morocco than any other city in the Horn. Its countless mosques and shrines, animated markets, crumbling walls and charming people will make you feel as if you’ve floated right out of the 21st century. It’s the east’s most memorable sight and shouldn’t be missed. As if that wasn’t enough, there are many chances to get up close and personal with wild hyenas. It’s a rare traveller who doesn’t enjoy it here.

Available options

5 days Exploring North Ethiopia's Rich History and Culture

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

accommodation

All Fees and Taxes

Dinner

Breakfast

What's not included

lunch and Dinner

Domestic flight ticket

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Our guide will wait you at the airport with the sign of your name and Liyu Ethiopia tour sign

About Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar is a charming city in Ethiopia, known for its beautiful lakeside setting on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. It is the capital of the Amhara Region and serves as a gateway to the historic sites of Ethiopia, including the ancient monasteries on Lake Tana and the stunning Blue Nile Falls.

Top Attractions

Lake Tana

Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and a major tourist attraction in Bahir Dar. It is known for its scenic beauty, birdlife, and historic monasteries on its islands.

Nature Half day to full day Budget to Moderate

Blue Nile Falls

The Blue Nile Falls, also known as Tis Abay, is a spectacular waterfall located about 30 km south of Bahir Dar. The falls are a major attraction and offer breathtaking views, especially during the rainy season.

Nature Half day to full day Budget

Zege Peninsula

The Zege Peninsula is home to several historic monasteries, including the famous Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam monasteries. These monasteries are known for their ancient manuscripts, religious art, and cultural significance.

Historical Half day Budget

Bahir Dar City Center

The city center of Bahir Dar is a vibrant area with local markets, restaurants, and cafes. It offers a glimpse into the daily life of the locals and is a great place to experience the city's culture and cuisine.

Cultural Half day Budget to Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Injera with Wat

Injera is a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, served with various stews (wats) such as doro wat (chicken stew), misir wat (lentil stew), and shiro wat (chickpea stew).

Main Course Vegetarian options available, gluten-free (teff is naturally gluten-free).

Tibs

Tibs are sautéed pieces of meat, usually beef, lamb, or goat, cooked with spices and vegetables. It is often served with injera.

Main Course Contains meat, gluten-free.

Kitfo

Kitfo is a traditional Ethiopian dish made from minced raw beef, marinated in spices and served with injera and ayib (cottage cheese).

Main Course Contains raw meat, gluten-free.

Popular Activities

Hiking Boat trips on Lake Tana Visiting the Blue Nile Falls Lakefront dining Cultural experiences Coffee ceremonies Visiting monasteries on Lake Tana Exploring historic sites in Gondar

Best Time to Visit

December to February

The best time to visit Bahir Dar is during the dry season, from December to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. This period offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for exploring the city's natural and cultural attractions.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Amharic
Widely spoken: English, Oromo, Tigrinya
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with normal precautions

Bahir Dar is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's important to take normal precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas, so it's essential to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Bahir Dar Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from the city center

By bus

Bahir Dar Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Bahir Dar. They are affordable and cover most parts of the city. However, they can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Lakefront Area City Center University Area

Day trips

Gondar

180 km (112 miles) • Full day

Gondar is a historic city known for its medieval castles, palaces, and churches. It was once the capital of the Ethiopian Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Blue Nile Gorge

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

The Blue Nile Gorge is a stunning canyon located near Bahir Dar, offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

Festivals

Timket (Epiphany) • January 19th Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) • September 11th or 12th

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for a more informative and immersive experience, especially when visiting historic sites and monasteries.
Try local dishes at traditional restaurants and cafes for an authentic taste of Ethiopian cuisine.
Visit the Blue Nile Falls during the rainy season (June to September) for the most impressive water flow and stunning views.
Carry small denominations of cash, as change may be limited, especially in rural areas and markets.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and rural areas, and respect local customs and traditions.