Bahir Dar, known as one of the leading tourist destinations of Ethiopia is the country’s third largest city. The cities wide avenues are lined with beautiful palm trees, colorful flowers and fruiting mango and banana trees. Bahir Dar, meaning ‘Sea shore’, is home to the largest lake in Ethiopia named Lake Tana. The lake itself is located in the north-western Ethiopian Highlands and stretches 84 km long, 66 km wide, 15m deep. The water is surrounded by many shore-side restaurants and plentiful greenery. During are stay, we were lucky enough to go on a thrilling boat tour out on the water where the waves were constantly rocking the boat back and forth, splashing water up at our faces. On the way there, we could see the point at which the lake drifts southeast toward the towering cliffs at Blue Nile Falls.
The tour was interesting because everyone except for me was hoping to see a hippo. In fact, I’m pretty sure we made the guide actively search for some. I’m just glad we didn’t find any, I would have been a little frightened….. but… at the same time, I secretly wish we saw one. It would have been quite the story! Thanks Frehiout and Wogderes (ATTSVE members) for showing us around Bahir Dar!
Jessica Gill
ATTSVE 2018 intern