Ethiopia · East Africa
Blue Nile Falls
Tis Issat
Known locally as 'smoking water,' the Blue Nile plunges over a horseshoe of basalt cliffs a short walk from Lake Tana's outlet. A stone bridge said to date from the 17th century crosses the gorge just below the falls.
Known locally as 'smoking water,' the Blue Nile plunges over a horseshoe of basalt cliffs a short walk from Lake Tana's outlet. A stone bridge said to date from the 17th century crosses the gorge just below the falls.
Blue Nile Falls drops 45 metres (148 ft) across a face roughly 400 metres wide on the Blue Nile. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Bahir Dar, with BJR the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Wet season (Jun-Sep) brings full flow, though a hydro plant now diverts much of it on non-flood days.
What you can do here
Boat cruises
The classic approach: come at the falls from the water, usually at sunset, usually with a drink.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Wet season (Jun-Sep) brings full flow, though a hydro plant now diverts much of it on non-flood days.
Entry: Local entry fee ~$5-10 USD plus guide
Getting there
- Base townBahir Dar
- AirportBJR
- CountryEthiopia
- RegionEast Africa, Africa
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
11.4933, 37.5833
Quick answers
How tall is Blue Nile Falls?
Blue Nile Falls drops 45 metres (148 feet), across a face about 400 metres wide. It is a block-type waterfall on the Blue Nile.
When is the best time to visit Blue Nile Falls?
Peak flow is August to October. Wet season (Jun-Sep) brings full flow, though a hydro plant now diverts much of it on non-flood days.
What can you do at Blue Nile Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: boat cruises, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Blue Nile Falls?
The usual base is Bahir Dar, and the closest airport is BJR. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Local entry fee ~$5-10 USD plus guide.
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