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Pelican flying over Tana lake, Ethiopia
Home Destinations Africa Ethiopia Lake Tana

Lake Tana

Lake Tana plays host to some of the most spectacular monasteries in Ethiopia. These monolithic fortresses were the perfect places to hide the many treasures of the Christian faith in times of persecution.

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Dating back to 1700, the marvellous churches are adorned with beautiful murals. A boat trip on Lake Tana allows the visitor to access many of the monasteries for an authentic view of early Christian church architecture.

Situated on the shores of the lake you will find the town of Bahir Dar, which, though not hugely exciting in itself, offers a comfortable stop for the weary traveller. Coffee shops abound and you will be well advised to take some time out to enjoy the various coffee combinations on offer.

Tiss Abay Falls on the Blue Nile, Ethiopia
Lake Tana, Ethiopia

Blue Nile Falls

Alternatively, you may like to visit the Blue Nile Falls, which will evoke the explorer in most. However, nowadays the falls are only a shadow of their former glory as at least two-thirds of the water mass is diverted into a hydroelectric scheme.

The walk to the falls may be challenging to some and it requires a stout pair of shoes as well as resilience to persistent hawkers. None the less, it is well worth the visit.

Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Highlands including Lalibela
With an intoxicating mixture of spectacular scenery and fascinating culture and heritage, Ethiopia offers unrivalled diversity. Rock-hewn churches, monasteries and castles decorate the landscape, which has been shaped by a long and rich history that this journey aims to uncover.
9 days from £3,910pp
Rock Church of St. George in Lalibela, Ethiopia
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Idea
Ethiopia
Ultimate Helicopter Journey across Ethiopia
Journey back in time, where the history of the people and the land merge and, at times, it is difficult to determine myth from reality. Explore with the flexibility that a helicopter brings, flying low over Ethiopia’s beautiful highlands, landing in the…
from £32,660pp
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
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Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopia – Tribes of the Omo Valley
To travel through Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is to remind oneself that there are ways of life that still exist that are vastly different to our own. The Omo is renowned for the vibrancy and distinctiveness of its people. This trip opens up…
5 days from £4,200pp
Cattle Drive, Awash, Ehtiopia
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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Ethiopia holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Highlands including Lalibela
With an intoxicating mixture of spectacular scenery and fascinating culture and heritage, Ethiopia offers unrivalled diversity. Rock-hewn churches, monasteries and castles decorate the landscape, which has been shaped by a long and rich history that this journey aims to uncover.
9 days from £3,910pp
Rock Church of St. George in Lalibela, Ethiopia
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Ethiopia
Ultimate Helicopter Journey across Ethiopia
Journey back in time, where the history of the people and the land merge and, at times, it is difficult to determine myth from reality. Explore with the flexibility that a helicopter brings, flying low over Ethiopia’s beautiful highlands, landing…
from £32,660pp
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopia – Tribes of the Omo Valley
To travel through Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is to remind oneself that there are ways of life that still exist that are vastly different to our own. The Omo is renowned for the vibrancy and distinctiveness of its people. This trip…
5 days from £4,200pp
Cattle Drive, Awash, Ehtiopia
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Ethiopia holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Highlands including Lalibela
With an intoxicating mixture of spectacular scenery and fascinating culture and heritage, Ethiopia offers unrivalled diversity.…
9 days from £3,910pp
Rock Church of St. George in Lalibela, Ethiopia
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Ethiopia
Ultimate Helicopter Journey across Ethiopia
Journey back in time, where the history of the people and the land merge and, at…
from £32,660pp
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopia – Tribes of the Omo Valley
To travel through Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is to remind oneself that there are ways of life…
5 days from £4,200pp
Cattle Drive, Awash, Ehtiopia
View Holiday Idea

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also a deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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