Ethiopia Waterfalls & Safaris

Ethiopia waterfall safaris start with the water. The Blue Nile Falls are an hour from Bahir Dar on Lake Tana. A northern circuit adds Gondar's castles, the rock churches of Lalibela and the gelada baboons and walia ibex of the Simien Mountains.

When to visit Ethiopia

Best time: October–March; August–November for the falls. Waterfalls and wildlife peak at different times, so plan around both; see the seasonal calendar.

National parks to pair with the falls

• Simien Mountains National Park
• Bale Mountains National Park
• Lake Tana

Planning a trip to Ethiopia

The northern historic route, Bahir Dar and the Blue Nile Falls, Gondar, the Simien Mountains, Lalibela and Axum, takes seven to fourteen days and is usually flown in sections. The Blue Nile Falls are a half-day trip from Bahir Dar on Lake Tana.

Practical tips

The currency is the Ethiopian birr. Ethiopia follows its own calendar and clock, so check times and dates when booking. Domestic flights are good value when combined with an international flight on the national airline. Check current travel advice for the regions on your route. Visa, health and entry rules change, so check official advice for your nationality before you book.

Getting to Ethiopia

Fly into Addis Ababa (ADD), Africa's busiest hub, then domestic flights to Bahir Dar or Gondar. Most visitors use an e-visa. Most trips start from Bahir Dar on Lake Tana, an hour from the Blue Nile Falls. Visa rules change, so check them for your passport before travel. Read Plan your trip for visas, health and packing, and the waterfall safari FAQs for quick answers.