Travel Guide Chutes Du Nil Bleu

Praised for their beauty in the 18th century by Scottish explorer James Bruce and long considered to be among the most beautiful on the continent, the Nile Falls (known as Tis Isat, "the water that smokes") have today lost much of their lustre. In recent years, the powering of a dam - useful though it is - has diverted much of the river's water, leaving the 400 m-long, 45 m-high falls three-quarters bare. The passage over the Portuguese bridge, built under the reign of Fasilidas (which marks the border between Gondar and Godjam), now spans a deep fault at the bottom of which flows either a mighty river or a meagre trickle of water - that gives you an idea of the change in flow! You can expect to be disappointed by the falls if you're unlucky enough to fall on a day when the dam is open, but it's still a fun ride. Camping is permitted.