Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia. It is in a depression of the northwest plateau at 6,000 feet above sea level and forms the main reservoir for the Blue Nile (Abbay) River, which drains its southern extremity near Bahir Dar. The lake’s surface covers 1,418 3,673km2, with a surrounding drainage of 11,650km2 and its maximum depth is 14 meters. The reputed source of the Blue Nile is the Little Abbay which rises south of the lake near Mount Amedamit; it is the longest (about 85 miles [135 km]) of the lake’s 60 tributaries. The lake was recognized by the ancient Greeks as Pseboa or Koloe. Scotsman James Bruce while seeking the source of Nile; reached the southern shores of the Lake in the year 1770. Near Bahir Dar, the lake is dammed by a lava barrier over which the Blue Nile pours, dropping 42 meters to form the spectacular looking Tisisat Falls (a section of which has been harnessed for hydroelectric power).

October is the most recommended time to visit Lake Tana. During this period the lake is at its fullest and the landscape is spectacular. The rainy season runs from May to September.