×

Ethiopia🇪🇹 | hikesTis Issat Fallswaterfall spray, lush riverbanks, papyrus boats | things to do and best time to go

Explore Lalibela to HudadExplore Simien Mountains Trek

Backpacking in Tis Issat Falls
👌 Worth visitinghike ranked #7
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated June 10, 2026

Most travelers only realize after the fact: if you hit Tis Issat Falls early, you get the whole roaring spectacle to yourself—before the tour buses and selfie sticks arrive. Tis Issat sits just outside Bahir Dar, in northern Ethiopia, where the Blue Nile tears itself loose from Lake Tana and plunges into a gorge with a force that rattles your bones. The hike itself is short—about 45 minutes each way—but don’t let the distance fool you. The trail is dusty, sometimes muddy, and the sun can slap you silly if you’re not ready. You’ll pass through villages where kids wave and goats scatter, and the air smells like woodsmoke and river spray. It’s not the hardest trek in Ethiopia, but it’s a world away from the Simien Mountains’ epic climbs. Public minibuses drop you within a few kilometers of the trailhead, so you’re not stuck haggling for a ride. The payoff? That first glimpse of the falls through the eucalyptus trees—loud, wild, and worth every step.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Ethiopia Travel Guide.
Best time to go: October - March
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 14 kilometers
Total ascent: 400 meters
Safety warning

The current risk level for Ethiopia is high. Check the advice before going.


Get your Ethiopia guide
101 ranked highlights, routes & tips, works offline (395 pages)
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
landmarks
national parks
hikes
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #7 hike in Ethiopia
What sets this place apart

The hike to ’Tis Issat Falls is a magnet for backpackers craving a blend of effort and reward. You’ll trek through lush landscapes, where the air is thick with the scent of earth and wildflowers. The scenery-to-effort ratio is unbeatable; a few hours of moderate hiking leads you to cascading waters that roar with life.

Getting there is a breeze. Public transport options are plentiful, making it easy to hop on a bus from Gondar. The cost? Minimal. You can enjoy this adventure without breaking the bank.

Flexibility is key here. You can tailor your hike to fit your pace, whether you want a quick jaunt or a leisurely day soaking in the sights. Plus, it seamlessly integrates into a longer backpacking route through Ethiopia, allowing you to explore more of this stunning country.

After the … read more 👉
The hike to ’Tis Issat Falls is a magnet for backpackers craving a blend of effort and reward. You’ll trek through lush landscapes, where the air is thick with the scent of earth and wildflowers. The scenery-to-effort ratio is unbeatable; a few hours of moderate hiking leads you to cascading waters that roar with life.

Getting there is a breeze. Public transport options are plentiful, making it easy to hop on a bus from Gondar. The cost? Minimal. You can enjoy this adventure without breaking the bank.

Flexibility is key here. You can tailor your hike to fit your pace, whether you want a quick jaunt or a leisurely day soaking in the sights. Plus, it seamlessly integrates into a longer backpacking route through Ethiopia, allowing you to explore more of this stunning country.

After the hike, nothing beats that first cold beer, savoring the moment as the sun dips below the horizon.
Want to include Tis Issat Falls in your Ethiopia route?
Create a personalized Ethiopia itinerary that includes Tis Issat Falls and the places that fit your trip — based on your travel style, budget, and available time. Get your route in seconds.

Generate my trip

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while hiking the Tis Issat Falls

  1. Main Viewing Platform: The classic “stop and gawk” spot where the fall’s roar, spray and wide curtain of water hit hardest—great for dramatic photos and to feel the mist on your face. It’s the easiest viewpoint on the hike and gives a real sense of the scale compared with other waterfalls in the region.
  2. Lower Falls Approach: A steeper, wetter trail that leads you closer to the base where the water pounds into rocky pools. Expect slippery rocks, up-close spray and the chance to hear the river’s thunder up close — much different from the polite distance of the main platform. (Best in the rainy season when the flow is full.)
  3. Gorge Rim Vistas: Short side paths open onto dramatic cliff-top views down the Blue Nile gorge. The layered rock, carved canyon and sweeping downstream vistas make you
read more 👉
  1. Main Viewing Platform: The classic “stop and gawk” spot where the fall’s roar, spray and wide curtain of water hit hardest—great for dramatic photos and to feel the mist on your face. It’s the easiest viewpoint on the hike and gives a real sense of the scale compared with other waterfalls in the region.
  2. Lower Falls Approach: A steeper, wetter trail that leads you closer to the base where the water pounds into rocky pools. Expect slippery rocks, up-close spray and the chance to hear the river’s thunder up close — much different from the polite distance of the main platform. (Best in the rainy season when the flow is full.)
  3. Gorge Rim Vistas: Short side paths open onto dramatic cliff-top views down the Blue Nile gorge. The layered rock, carved canyon and sweeping downstream vistas make you feel like you’re standing on the lip of something ancient — a perspective you don’t get from flat, forested trails elsewhere.
  4. Birdlife and Wildlife Pockets: The riverine corridor is a magnet for birds — African fish eagles, kingfishers and herons are common — and you’ll often spot vervet monkeys or even baboons along the ridge. The mix of water, cliffs and trees concentrates wildlife, so keep your binoculars handy; it’s a quieter, more intimate nature experience than more touristy trails.
  5. Local Villages and Lake Tana Side Trip: The hike is threaded with small farming villages where kids will wave and traders sell snacks or handmade trinkets. Many hikers combine the falls with a short boat trip on Lake Tana to visit island monasteries (colorful murals and centuries-old religious art). The cultural contrast — lakeside monasteries, local markets and the wild gorge — is what makes the whole outing feel uniquely Ethiopian. (Personal favorite.)
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Tis Issat Falls

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience


  • Weather: The dry season from October to March is your best bet. Trails stay firm, and the falls roar without the mudslide risk that the rainy season (June to September) brings. Expect fewer slippery rocks and more reliable footing.

  • Temperature: Daytime highs hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the dry months, perfect for hiking without overheating. Nights can dip to 10°C (50°F), so pack a light jacket for early starts or late finishes.

  • Daylight Hours: Ethiopia’s proximity to the equator means roughly 12 hours of daylight year-round. Still, starting early maximizes your time at the falls before afternoon heat or crowds build.

  • Crowds: Peak tourist season aligns with the dry months, so expect more hikers from December to February. Arrive early or late in the day to dodge the busiest
read more 👉

  • Weather: The dry season from October to March is your best bet. Trails stay firm, and the falls roar without the mudslide risk that the rainy season (June to September) brings. Expect fewer slippery rocks and more reliable footing.

  • Temperature: Daytime highs hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the dry months, perfect for hiking without overheating. Nights can dip to 10°C (50°F), so pack a light jacket for early starts or late finishes.

  • Daylight Hours: Ethiopia’s proximity to the equator means roughly 12 hours of daylight year-round. Still, starting early maximizes your time at the falls before afternoon heat or crowds build.

  • Crowds: Peak tourist season aligns with the dry months, so expect more hikers from December to February. Arrive early or late in the day to dodge the busiest periods and snag quieter moments.

  • Seasonal Activities: The dry season also hosts local festivals and markets nearby, adding cultural spice to your trek. The rainy season floods the falls, making them more dramatic but less accessible.

  • Price Fluctuations: Accommodation and guide fees spike during peak season. Traveling shoulder months like October or March can save money while still offering solid weather and trail conditions.


Pro-tip: Hit the trail at dawn during the shoulder dry months—cool air, soft light, and a near-empty path make the sweat and grit worth every step.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: below average for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: below average for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
ethiopia-hike-tis-issat-falls v1
© Google |

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutEthiopia Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Ethiopia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Ethiopia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Ethiopia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Ethiopia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Ethiopia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Ethiopia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Ethiopia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Ethiopia
The digital guide (395 pages) contains:
101 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
How to get around
Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
Month by month travel advice
Festivals & national holidays
Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
Honest pros & cons of destinations
Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
Lesser-known places most travelers miss
Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
Best areas to stay
Transport systems explained simply
Common scams & safety advice
SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
Culture & traditions
52 Essential phrases & customs
Festivals worth planning around
Traveler-friendly historical context
Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
Fully downloadable PDF
Works completely offline
Optimized for phone use
Useful in remote areas & buses
Everything in one place
Save weeks of stressful planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.


By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

🥾 Hike detailsKey facts about the Tis Issat Falls hike

Total Distance: About 6 kilometers (round trip). It’s a manageable hike that won’t leave your legs screaming for mercy.

Estimated Duration: Expect to spend around 2 to 4 hours on the trail, depending on your pace and how often you stop to soak in the views or snap photos.

Difficulty Level: Moderate. It’s not a walk in the park, but you don’t need to be a seasoned mountaineer either. Some sections are a bit steep and rocky, so good shoes are a must.

Starting Point: The hike typically begins from the village of Tis Issat. To get there, catch a bus or minibus from Bahir Dar, which is about 30 … read more 👉
Total Distance: About 6 kilometers (round trip). It’s a manageable hike that won’t leave your legs screaming for mercy.

Estimated Duration: Expect to spend around 2 to 4 hours on the trail, depending on your pace and how often you stop to soak in the views or snap photos.

Difficulty Level: Moderate. It’s not a walk in the park, but you don’t need to be a seasoned mountaineer either. Some sections are a bit steep and rocky, so good shoes are a must.

Starting Point: The hike typically begins from the village of Tis Issat. To get there, catch a bus or minibus from Bahir Dar, which is about 30 kilometers away. Buses run regularly, and the journey takes roughly an hour. Just ask locals for the bus heading to Tis Issat, and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Major Landmarks Along the Route:
  • Blue Nile River: You’ll follow this stunning river for part of the hike, which makes for some breathtaking views.
  • Tis Issat Falls: The main attraction, these cascading falls are impressive and worth the trek. You might even get a little mist on you!
  • Local Villages: You’ll pass through a couple of small villages where you can meet friendly locals and maybe grab a snack.

Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of rocky paths, dirt trails, and some steep inclines. The scenery is fantastic, with lush hillsides, the rushing river, and, of course, the falls themselves. Keep your camera handy; you’ll want to capture the beauty.

Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: You’ll see a variety of plants, including acacia trees and various shrubs. Wildlife is a bit shy but keep your eyes peeled for birds like the African fish eagle and maybe even some monkeys if you’re lucky. The area is alive with the sounds of nature, so enjoy the soundtrack of the wild as you hike.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

The hike to ’Tis Issat Falls is a thrilling blend of challenge and reward. Expect variable weather; the sun can blaze, then clouds roll in, so pack a light rain jacket. The trail is well-marked but steep in sections, demanding focus on your footing. Watch for loose rocks and roots that can trip you up.

You might cross a few streams, so waterproof boots are a smart choice. Altitude isn’t extreme, but if you’re coming from sea level, take it easy on the ascent. Wildlife is present, but encounters are rare; respect their space and keep food sealed.

Timing is key—early mornings offer cooler temps and fewer crowds. Embrace the sweat; the view of the cascading falls is worth every step. Afterward, a cold drink at a local spot will taste like victory.

Other Ethiopian hikes near Tis Issat Falls

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Ethiopia including Tis Issat Falls and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all hikes

Or checkout all Ethiopia has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Country photo of Ethiopia

We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Standing at the edge of Tis Issat Falls, the roar of cascading water drowns out everything else. It’s a wild, raw beauty that makes the trek worth every step. But be ready for the climb; the trail can be slippery and steep, demanding your focus. That said, the sight of the falls, with rainbows dancing in the mist, is a reward that’ll stick with you long after the hike.

✈️ When did I visit Ethiopia?
Ethiopia I visited back in October 2017. I combined the trip with a visit to Sudan. Ethiopia was a pure suprise with the magical scenery like the Danikal Depression and the Simien Mountains.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ethiopia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Get full Ethiopia guide •
Instant download • 101 highlights • Full Offline guide