Hotels and Accommodation in Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar sits on the southern shore of Lake Tana — Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile. The city is one of the most pleasant in Ethiopia: wide, tree-lined boulevards, a busy lakeside promenade, fresh fish restaurants, a constant breeze off the water and a skyline of hotels and resorts reflected in the still lake at dawn. The Blue Nile emerges from Lake Tana's southern end and dramatically drops 45 metres at Tis Isat — the Blue Nile Falls — a short drive from town.

Lake Tana is scattered with ancient monasteries, many dating to the 14th and 15th centuries and accessible only by boat. The islands of Ura Kidane Mehret, Kebran Gabriel and Dek Island contain treasures of Ethiopian art and manuscripts that have been gathering here since before the Portuguese arrived. Half-day boat trips from Bahir Dar's lakeside are a highlight of any visit.

Accommodation in Bahir Dar ranges from budget guesthouses near the main market to resort-style hotels on the lake with private jetties and water views. The lakeside strip has seen significant hotel development in recent years and now offers several genuinely good mid-range and upscale options.

Ethiopia Bookings lists 40+ verified properties in Bahir Dar from ETB 800 to ETB 8,000 per night.