Blue Nile Falls, or Tis Abay, is the big excursion from Bahir Dar. The river leaves Lake Tana, gathers itself, and then drops over a broad cliff into a green gorge about 30 kilometres from the city.
The falls are heavily affected by a hydroelectric diversion, so do not expect the old curtain-of-water photographs year-round. Visit during or just after the rains for the best chance of seeing them roar. The standard outing involves a drive to Tis Abay, a walk through village country, and sometimes a small boat crossing depending on the route.