Top 10 Waterfalls in Ethiopia
Ethiopia's waterfalls are dominated by the Blue Nile and its tributaries. The Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay/Tis Isat) is the country's iconic cascade, but a dozen others reward visitors. All ten on the map.
1. Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay)
400 metres wide, 45 metres tall on the Blue Nile near Bahir Dar. Heavily reduced by the upstream Tana-Beles hydroelectric dam (2003); full flow only briefly.
2. Awash Falls
Wide cascade on the Awash River inside Awash National Park. Roadside viewpoint and short walk to the brink.
3. Sor Falls (Soro Sor)
Remote cascade in the Illubabor highlands. Reach by 4x4 from Metu; locally guided walk.
4. Komos Falls, Wollega
Tall plunge over a volcanic cliff in Wollega province. Locally significant; access by motorbike from nearest town.
5. Wenchi Crater Falls
Cascade descending the rim of Wenchi crater lake (220 km west of Addis). Combined with horseback or boat lake tour.
6. Sof Omar Falls
Cascades inside the Sof Omar cave system, Bale region — Africa's longest cave river. Guided only.
7. Doho Lodge Falls, Awash valley
Hot-spring cascade at Doho Lodge in the Awash valley. Geothermal flow keeps the pools warm year-round.
8. Genale-Dawa Falls
Tall cascade on the Genale-Dawa river in the southern Oromia plateau. Very remote; visited mostly by hydrologists and researchers.
9. Filwoha Falls, Awash NP
Hot-spring fed pools and small falls inside Awash National Park. Crocodiles in adjacent river — swimming not advised.
10. Bishangari Falls, Lake Langano
Small cascade beside Bishangari Lodge on Lake Langano, Rift Valley. Combine with lake birdwatching.
Plan your next trip
All of these are pinned on our interactive map.