About 30km after it exits Lake Tana, the Blue Nile plunges over a 45m high rock face to form one of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls, Tis Abay (‘Smoke of the Nile’) or Tis Isat(‘Water that Smokes’). Tis Abay is impressive for the sheer volume of water that pours over it, particularly during the rainy season. However, the recent installation of a hydro-electric plant that diverts around 95% of the water when it is operating means that the waterfall is not always running. It’s a 30 minute walk from the village to the main viewpoint over the waterfall.The Blue Nile Falls are one of the greatest falls in Africa. It is located in Ethiopian plateau, passing the Blue Nile River. The Blue Nile Falls has an enormous height of 37 to 45 meters or around 150 feet and its width is estimated at about half a mile. Watching the river water drop down the waterfalls is truly breathtaking.
Various trips can be arranged in order to reach the Blue Nile Falls as it is a main tourist spot in Ethiopia. There are many locals that make their income from the benefits of tourism; many are selling food and drinks like calabashes and sodas. Also many people are also selling charms, souvenirs and walking sticks. For accommodation, there are hotels available a few kilometers away from the falls. If planning to visit the falls, it is recommendable to wear comfortable clothes as the trail on the way to the falls is quite bumpy. The flora around the falls can also be appreciated; there are many plant species endemic only to that area. The Blue Nile Falls are also enriched with different types of wildlife that can only be found in Ethiopia.
Currently, a hydroelectric station was built in order to divert the flow of water to the falls for electrical purposes. This has caused a decrease in the flowing water of Blue Nile Falls, however, the full beauty of the falls can still be appreciated during Sundays and holidays because the hydroelectric station only operates during weekdays. For this reason, it is advisable to visit on Sundays. Prepare everything and enjoy nature’s great miracles: go see the Blue Nile Falls!. During the dry season it can be a small trickle and more than 400 meters wide in the rainy seasonBlue Nile Falls are also known as Tis Issat that means “smoking water” because the continuous dropping.In 1770 AD, James Bruce came upon the Blue Nile Falls in his search for the source of the Nile.During the rainy season, the waterfall can expand up to fifty times its normal size.With the heavy flow, most of the topsoil gets washed away and only infertile and bare soil left behind.Blue Nile River is known as Abbay in the local language. This river contributes up to 80% of the Nile River’s flow.The falls are considered one of Ethiopia’s best known tourist attractions. The water volume of the waterfall fluctuates depending on the season. It gets high in rainy season and reduces significantly during the dry season.The Blue Nile Falls can be easily reached from Bahirdar in northern Ethiopia.
