Lake Tana
Lake Tana
4.3
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia, is a natural wonder steeped in history and cultural significance. Located in the northwest highlands, near the city of Bahir Dar, this majestic lake spans approximately 3,673 square kilometers and is the primary source of the Blue Nile River.Key Highlights:Historic Monasteries and Churches: Lake Tana is renowned for its ancient monasteries and churches, many of which are situated on its 37 islands. Some notable monasteries include Ura Kidane Mehret, Debre Maryam, and Narga Selassie. These religious sites, dating back to the 14th century, house priceless manuscripts, crosses, and religious artifacts.Unique Flora and Fauna: The lake and its surrounding wetlands are home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting numerous bird species, including pelicans, egrets, and ibises. The lake also supports a variety of fish, some of which are endemic to the region.Scenic Beauty: The serene waters of Lake Tana, coupled with its pi
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
579 reviews
Excellent
272
Very good
220
Average
69
Poor
12
Terrible
6
lia f
3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Excelent Guide ; Boat tour Organizer
I really enjoyed my Boat trip. people were very frindly and did their best to show us the highlights of their aria. The trip was well organized and the guides gave us ample time to photograph the famous churches of lake tana . well organized , Professional , Reliable and Honest Tour Operator In Bahir dar . whatsApp : +251911534834
I really enjoyed my Boat trip. people were very frindly and did their best to show us the highlights of their aria. The trip was well organized and the guides gave us ample time to photograph the famous churches of lake tana . well organized , Professional , Reliable and Honest Tour Operator In Bahir dar . whatsApp : +251911534834
Written December 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dannyboyblue33
Scotland17 contributions
Dec 2022
I can not recommend Birhanu boat rent/tours enough. I have gone with him twice in December 2022 and February 2021. Both trips were excellent. His boat is in excellent condition, he is an excellent boatman.
He is courteous, professional, perfect English and highly knowledgeable and also with a laid back pleasant personality, a really nice relaxing approach. No hard sell - and very reasonable and honest.
We toured islands and the peninsula - amazing monasteries, went to see hippos and other wildlife. Just wonderful, Birhanu is happy to answer any question you may have. I did a couple of hours tour and the half day tour, but you can also do a full day. He will discuss with you options and you can choose.
He can also connect you with excellent professional guides.
After calling him, he came to meet me at the hotel lobby, was always punctual and had parked his boat near by, so just a short stroll to the boat.
I really can not recommend Birhanu highly enough - call him on +251 (0) 918000441 you will have a wonderful time.
He is courteous, professional, perfect English and highly knowledgeable and also with a laid back pleasant personality, a really nice relaxing approach. No hard sell - and very reasonable and honest.
We toured islands and the peninsula - amazing monasteries, went to see hippos and other wildlife. Just wonderful, Birhanu is happy to answer any question you may have. I did a couple of hours tour and the half day tour, but you can also do a full day. He will discuss with you options and you can choose.
He can also connect you with excellent professional guides.
After calling him, he came to meet me at the hotel lobby, was always punctual and had parked his boat near by, so just a short stroll to the boat.
I really can not recommend Birhanu highly enough - call him on +251 (0) 918000441 you will have a wonderful time.
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fearless25838886496
1 contribution
Jan 2020
Zelalem Tadele provided us with a full itinerary and keen insights into the attractions of Lake Tana and Lalibela. He suggested we drive from Bahir Dar to Lalibela, which proved to be a fascinating way to appreciate the geography of Ethiopia. Our driver was super - safe and a very comfortable van. Our local guide in Lalibela, Ayalew Setegn, had amazing knowledge and stories for each rock-hewn church we visited.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jojo
Always moving...21 contributions
Mar 2020
I spent the morning exploring the lake with a group of people. I found my boat trip through Miki Belay. You can reach him on +251 918 017 446. He is very friendly and made sure I was safe and that I got a good price and not an inflated one, thanks Miki! The morning consisted of exploring the lake, seeing some hippos and visiting 2 monasteries. Getting a local guide for all the monasteries is not necessary, but I would recommend getting at least one so that you get a good idea of what it's all about :) All in all, a great morning.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tour33033786207
England, UK4 contributions
Mar 2021
My family and I had a fantastic experience with EthioTours . Had a fantastic morning tour on lake Tana . Beautiful sunrise and a fantastic breakfast. The guide was really knowledgeable about all the animals we saw and explained about the fishermen and what they were doing. Saw plenty of hippos too! It was an amazing experience, we visited three beautiful islands . We would like to thank Melese for showing us all unique areas and sharing the stories .WA : +251918768616 . Private tour was absolute best way to relax and see the beauty of the Keys. They are working hard to adhere to the latest Government health advice for boat operators and passengers. Highly recommended !
Written March 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
specialll
Istanbul, Türkiye7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I took a boat trip on Tana Lake, i saw hipos, some birds, monasteries and local fishermen. It was nice but as i arrived late to Bahar dar my trip was a short one. I did the boat trip with Miki Belay, in his boat. He was very kind person and invited me to have lunch together . I recommend him his contact number +251918017446.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bess M
United Kingdom13 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Took a boat tour of lake Tana with our fantastic and well informed guide Gead.
We enjoyed beautiful views of one of the biggest lakes in Africa, spotted a few birds endemic to the region and multiple hippoes at the point where the blue Nile begins. Explored incredible monasteries with fantastic frescos/paintings, drank excellent traditional coffee and purchased a few hand made goods (be sure to bargain!)
All in all, an excellent day tour and a must see when in the area
contact Gead on gead_nice@yahoo.com
We enjoyed beautiful views of one of the biggest lakes in Africa, spotted a few birds endemic to the region and multiple hippoes at the point where the blue Nile begins. Explored incredible monasteries with fantastic frescos/paintings, drank excellent traditional coffee and purchased a few hand made goods (be sure to bargain!)
All in all, an excellent day tour and a must see when in the area
contact Gead on gead_nice@yahoo.com
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
Valence, France3 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We were able to see all the wildlife of the lake and visit the monastries.
The tour was amazing because our boat driver was THE BEST.
Very kind, he knows all the best places to see wildlife and let you take all the pictures you want, without hurrying.
Contact : Birhanu Yihunalemu
Phone : 0918000441
Email : birhanuyihunalemu@gmail.com
We highly recomand him.
The tour was amazing because our boat driver was THE BEST.
Very kind, he knows all the best places to see wildlife and let you take all the pictures you want, without hurrying.
Contact : Birhanu Yihunalemu
Phone : 0918000441
Email : birhanuyihunalemu@gmail.com
We highly recomand him.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yasmin l
2 contributions
Aug 2022
We had a wonderful time in Lake Tana . we visit 3 main Monasteries and waterfalls . The staff were super friendly, very knowledgeable about the sites, and we felt very safe throughout the trip.
We book our tours with Ethio Tours . Local Travel Agent recommended for Northen Ethiopia . +251911534834 ethioholidays@gmail.com
Melese and Birhanu were our Guide and Capitan , they are extremely experienced, genuine and funny. They made sure we are safe in our Boat tours and create great vibes for us . I feel lucky to Book with them .
Highly recommended !
We book our tours with Ethio Tours . Local Travel Agent recommended for Northen Ethiopia . +251911534834 ethioholidays@gmail.com
Melese and Birhanu were our Guide and Capitan , they are extremely experienced, genuine and funny. They made sure we are safe in our Boat tours and create great vibes for us . I feel lucky to Book with them .
Highly recommended !
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Garson L
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
I and my families had a fantastic experience with Ethio Backpacker Tours. we travel by boat to Lake Tana. The guide was familiar with the area! It was an amazing experience, we visited three monasteries which are very ancient and historical. the paintings on the wall represent the Bible. We needed to visit Blue Nile Waterfall but according to our short schedule, we couldn't go there and the next day we drove to Gonder. many thanks to Gashaw and the entire team for their excellent services. If anyone needs to contact them here is the contact Whatsapp +251918086033
Written December 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My boyfriend and I are heading to Bahir Dar region and want to know cost of taking boat on lake Tana. Can someone give of the cost of a boat ride on Lake Tana?
Written September 6, 2018
A group of five of us hired a boat for 300 birr pp. I’m not sure what it would be if you were just two, but your best bet would be to head to the hotels to get a price.
To enter the monasteries on the peninsula it’s 150 birr pp per monastery, and the island is 100 pp per monastery
Written September 23, 2018
My boyfriend and I are heading to Bahir Dar region and want to know cost of taking boat on lake Tana. Can someone give of the cost of a boat ride on Lake Tana?
Written September 6, 2018
The price depends on how long you have the boat, spent the day on the lake and I don’t remember the exact price but it was very cheap ( less than $50.00)
Written September 7, 2018
nluckybell
Bangkok, Thailand
How much did you pay for a day Trip in Tankwa tour and Travel company?
Written November 7, 2017
Hello. Sorry for the late reply. I was out of mordern technology.i did the trip my self because I was on a project in Tana. But depends on what you like to do, I could help with the pricing.
Written January 21, 2018
How much is the entrance fee to the monasteries? You need to pay in each you stop?
Is this mandatory a guide? How much they charge?
Thanks
Written October 3, 2017
Hello,
we are 4 people. Is there a fixed rate for the boat? They all visit the same monasteries?
Thanks
Written September 30, 2017
fixed rate 700 birr for boat 1_8 person . Duration half Day Trip visit 3_5 monastery .
Written October 1, 2017
Hi
My boyfriend and I are planning to be around bahir dar around 15th Dec but to move around and explore lalibela, gondar...possibly simein mountains.
Anybody got recommendations of where to stay? Particularly along the Lake? We're on a budget but in Uganda I stayed at a beautiful place on Lake Bunyoni for £12 a night and hoping to find something similar? if not cheaper!
As it will be coming up to christmas we were wondering if this would affect plans? costs? accommodation availability?
And any suggestions where to be for christmas? and then new years eve?
Also any general advice on good routes round would be great! Afterwards we are planning to head to explore south ethiopia and then onto kenya.
Thanks :)
Written September 13, 2015
My husband and I stayed at the Homland hotel. It was great. We went during June which is the beginning of the rainy season and end of tourist season so it may have been cheaper. We booked through Jovago (online booking) while in Ethiopia and got a great rate. I think it was $70 USD for two nights. Check out my reviews on trip advisor. We did most of the places you mentioned. I reviewed all the places we went and stayed. We had an amazing trip.
Written September 18, 2015
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