Blue Nile Falls Waterfall

Address: Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), near Bahir Dar / Lake Tana, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

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.

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.

• 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.