About
Blue Nile Falls, also known as Tis Issat or "Smoking Water," is a waterfall on the Blue Nile River near Bahir Dar in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The river drops about 45 metres here, and the cascade is one of the country's best-known natural sights.
What to expect
The falls are at their most impressive during the rainy season, from June to September, when the river carries the most water and the spray rises into the air. The name Tis Issat, meaning smoking water, refers to that mist, which can be seen from some distance on a clear day.
- A single drop of about 45 metres on the Blue Nile River
- Strongest flow and most dramatic spray in the rainy season, June to September
- A natural landmark in the Amhara Region
Planning your visit
Bahir Dar, the nearest city, is the natural base for a trip to the falls. Visitors often combine the walk with time in the city and with the wider lakeside area around Lake Tana, which the Blue Nile flows out of. Because the falls are a natural site, it is worth checking access and conditions before you set out, and the contact number listed for the site is +251-582-200123.
If you are drawn to waterfalls and open landscapes, Blue Nile Falls makes a rewarding stop, especially in the wetter months when the water is at its fullest.