Blue Nile Falls
Waterfall Waterfall on the Blue Nile with dramatic seasonal flow
Tis Issat, the Blue Nile Falls near Bahir Dar, plunges from a basalt escarpment. Tourists take boat trips on Lake Tana, hike to viewing points, and visit the seasonal cascades best seen after the rains.
Blue Nile Falls, locally called Tis Abay or “smoking water,” is a major cataract on the Blue Nile River in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The waterfall is notable for its vertical drop and the spray that gives it the local name.
The falls have a vertical drop of roughly 40 to 45 metres and form a wide cascade when river flow is high. Viewing platforms and short trails provide accessible vantage points for photography and observation.
The falls have long been a natural landmark on the Blue Nile and in recent decades flows have been affected by upstream water use and hydroelectric works, which alters their appearance outside the rainy season. Facilities for visitors include nearby viewpoints and local guides.
The falls lie on the Blue Nile downstream of Lake Tana in the Amhara Region, set within a river gorge and reachable from nearby towns and road links in the region.
- Seasonal flow: Locally known as **Tis Abay**, the falls are most impressive in the rainy season when river flow is at its peak; flow can be substantially reduced at other times due to upstream water use.
- Access and combination visits: A short walk from the road and viewpoints give safe vantage points; boat trips on nearby Lake Tana are commonly combined with a visit to the falls.
How to Get to Blue Nile Falls #
Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay) is reached from the regional hub of Bahir Dar on Lake Tana. From Bahir Dar drive or take a shared minibus/tour vehicle southeast to the Tis Abay area-the road distance is about 30 km (roughly 45-60 minutes by road depending on conditions).
From the roadside parking next to the falls it is a 20-30 minute walk down to the main viewing points (paths and steps). Regular day tours and minibuses run from Bahir Dar to the falls; hiring a car or joining a guided trip is common for visitors.
Tips for Visiting Blue Nile Falls #
- Visit during or just after the rainy season (roughly July-October) if you want the falls in full flow; in the dry season the volume can be much reduced because of seasonal variation and upstream water use.
- Travel from Bahir Dar early in the day to beat the day‑tour buses and allow time to walk the lower trails and viewpoints-walking down toward the river gives multiple vantage points many visitors skip.
- Hire a local guide from the trailhead for up‑to‑date information on trail conditions and the best vantage points; guides can also arrange boat rides on the Blue Nile below the falls when available.
Best Time to Visit Blue Nile Falls #
Visit in the rainy season (June-September) to see the falls at their fullest, or in the dry season (October-February) for easier access and more reliable travel conditions.
Weather & Climate near Blue Nile Falls #
Blue Nile Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 9°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1236 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 6 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (345 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (309 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
