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Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia, is the source of the famed Blue Nile.
From here, the river starts its long journey to Khartoum, and on to the
Mediterranean. The 37 islands that are scattered about the surface of the lake
shelter fascinating churches and monasteries, some of which have histories
dating back to the 13th Century. It should be noted that most of the religious
houses are not open to women.
The most interesting islands are: Birgida Mariam, Dega Estefanous, Dek, Narga,
Tana Cherkos, Mitsele Fasiledes, Kebran and Debre Maryam.
Kebran Gabriel is the principal monastery visited by male tourists from Bahar
Dar, with its impressive Cathedral-like building, first built at the end of the
17th Century. Dega Estephanos, which is also closed to women, is on an island in
the lake, and the monastery is reached by a very steep and winding path.
Although the church is relatively new (one hundred years old), it houses a
Madonna painted in the 15th century. The treasury of the monastery is a prime
attraction, with the remains of several Emperors, as well as their robes and
jewels.
On the banks of the lake are many more religious houses, such as Ura Kidane
Mehret and Narga Selassie, many of which are also open to visits by women.
Near Gorgora, at the northern end of the lake, the Susneyos palace is a
forerunner of the magnificent palaces and castles of Gonder, and dates from the
reign of Emperor Susneyos. In the same area, the medieval church of Debre Sina
Mariam is particularly important.
A sail or cruise on Lake Tana is one of the most pleasant excursions for
visitors to this region, particularly in the heart of the summer. Boats can be
hired from the Marine Transport Authority in Bahar Dar.
Along the lakeshore, birdlife, both local and migratory visitors, make this an
ideal place for bird watchers.
Bird lovers will not want to miss Fasilidas island, which is especially famous
as an important wetland. The whole of the Lake Tana region and the Blue Nile
Gorge have a wide variety of birds, both endemic and visitors. The variety of
habitats, from rocky crags to riverain forests and wetlands, ensure that many
other different species should be spotted.
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