Tour Package Lake Tana and waterfalls

---

 Debre Maryam

The monastery of Debre Maryam is one of the newer monasteries of Lake Tana, having been built by Emperor Tewodros in the 19th century. A friendly priest welcomes all visitors and is happy to show you the ancient manuscripts stored there. It can be accessed by boat and a short walk through coffee, mango and fig trees that line the path. More adventurous travellers can rent a tankwa papyrus boat from locals, 20 minutes on the road towards Gondar, just before the Nile bridge.

Daga EstefanosSet on a hill around 100m above the lake, a short trek up a winding path brings you to one of the most sacred monasteries, the monastery of Daga Estefanos. This monastery is of real historic interest, housing brightly coloured ceremonial robes, a 16th century painting of the Madonna and the mummified remains of five Ethiopian emperors, displayed for visitors to view in modern, glass-sided coffins. It will take 2:30 -3:00 hours by moderate speed boat from Bahir Dar to reach this monastery. Only men are permitted to enter this monastery due to religious reasons.

Narga Selassie Narga Selassie, which means ‘Trinity of the Rest’, was built on Dek Island, the largest island of Lake Tana in the late 18th century. The church is one of the most peaceful and atmospheric on Lake Tana and is set in an extremely beautiful location. It will take 3:00 -3:30 hours by moderate speed boat from Bahir Dar to reach this monastery.

Tana Cherkos Tana Cherkos is a small island monastery where it is said the Ark of the Covenant was hidden for 800 years before being brought to its final resting place in Aksum. The shores of the island are covered with a dense forest strip which is home to majestic fish eagles. It takes around three hours to reach this monastery by boat from Bahir Dar.

Kebran GabrielSadly, although it is said to be one of the most beautiful and atmospheric of the monasteries of Lake Tana, Kebran Gabriel is no longer open to the public. It was founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 17th century. It is located the closest to Bahir Dar. The round roof is supported by twelve pillars made from carved stones symbolising the twelve apostles. It will take 20 minutes by moderate speed boat to reach this monastery and is often visited on the way to Zege peninsula.  Only men are permitted to enter this monastery due to religious reasons.

The rich forests on the Zege Peninsula are home to seven ancient monasteries waiting for you to visit. The peninsula can easily be reached by boat or bicycle from Bahir Dar. Do contact the local guide association (melese  aych – +251 911534834  English and Amharic) to arrange for guided tours to Ura Kidane Mihret and special tours (e.g. on coffee, hiking, etc.)

.Ura Kidane Mehret MonasteryIs has been said that the inside of the Ura Kidane Mehret monastery is the most impressive and beautiful in the whole region. Just a 25 minute walk from the boat landing point will take you to the monastery, winding through coffee plantations under tall shady trees. The monastery is highly decorated with beautifully painted, colourful and vibrant frescoes depicting Ethiopian saints and the history of the Ethiopian-Orthodox Church. Both men and women are permitted to enter and there is also a small museum, the Zege Satekela Museum, for visitors to learn about hand-crafted objects and musical instruments that are still used be the local communities today.

Bete Maryam MonasteryA short walk on a path through coffee and lemon trees leads you to the oldest monastery on the peninsula, the Bete Maryam monastery. Attractive murals are sheltered behind stone columns here.

Azuwa Maryam MonasteryThis round church has a thatched roof which makes it one of the most attractive churches around Lake Tana. Step inside and watch its paintings come alive.

Bete Selassie & Tekla HaimanotJust a 45 minute walk uphill from the shore takes you to these two hidden treasures. These two monasteries are slightly off the beaten track, making a trip to see the vivid frescoes inside even more special.