Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bus
Two ordinary buses make the long trip to/from Addis Ababa (Birr100, 11 to 12 hours,
6am). Sky Bus (Birr307) has an office near the lake and uses Mango Park as its 6am de-
parture point. The Selam (Birr290) ticket office is at the bus station, but the buses park in
front of St George's Church and depart at 5.30am. The Post Bus (Birr216) departs at
5.30am from Bahir Dar three days a week. Minibuses travel at night (which makes them
dangerous) and can do the trip in as little as seven hours. Your hotel can reserve a seat for
you, or ask around for an agent at the north gate of the bus station to avoid the hotel's
commission.
Two buses travel to Gonder (Birr55, three hours) at 6am and minibuses (Birr65) go
about hourly. For a steep fee, most hotels will call and have the minibus come pick you up
so you can avoid the chaotic bus station. Some travellers prefer to band together and hire a
private minibus to Gonder, which can cost as little as Birr850.
There's nothing direct to Lalibela, but you can take one of about five morning
minibuses (Birr100, three hours) or the 6am bus (Birr97, 3½ hours) to Woldia and get off
at Gashena to catch a connection there.
Ferry
A ferry sails every Sunday at 7am for Gorgora (Birr253, 1½ days), on the northern shore
of Lake Tana. It stops for loading at Dek Island (with enough time to wander around) and
overnights in Kunzula, where there's food and a couple of grotty hotels. It's far from luxe
with a toilet and limited seating in what they call '1st class'. Snacks and drinks are some-
times available, but its best to bring your own. Buy tickets from 2pm to 4pm the day be-
fore at the Marine Authority office.
Getting Around
Bikes are perfect for Bahir Dar. Ghion Hotel has some for Birr16 per hour. Out on the
street, such as at the spots south of Ghion and near Zimamnesh Guesthouse, prices are a
bit cheaper.
If you're in a hurry, flag a passing
bajaj
(auto-rickshaw). A normal trip is Birr2. You
can contract one for Birr10 to just about anywhere in the city.
Most of the pricier hotels provide a free ride to the airport. By
bajaj
/taxi the trip will
set you back Birr100/200.
For details on getting to the monasteries around Lake Tana,
Click here
.
