Ethiopia’s largest lake stretches across 3,673 square kilometres in the highlands of Amhara, its waters feeding the Blue Nile as it begins its long journey to the Mediterranean. Known as the Sacred Lake of Ethiopia, it has long been a spiritual refuge, with centuries-old monasteries hidden on its forested islands, preserving murals, manuscripts, and Ethiopian Orthodox traditions. Fringed by papyrus reeds and home to endemic fish and diverse birdlife, including pelicans and African fish eagles, its shimmering expanse blends natural beauty with cultural depth. The city of Bahir Dar, set along the southern banks, serves as a gateway to boat excursions, where travellers explore hidden sanctuaries, encounter fishermen navigating traditional tankwa reed boats, and trace the river to the thunderous Tis Issat Falls. The surrounding landscape, a mix of rolling hills and fertile plains, invites hiking and cultural encounters.