Lake Tana

Lake Tana is Ethiopia's largest lake, the source of the Blue Nile, and a repository of medieval monastic culture — its 37 islands and peninsulas shelter over 20 monasteries dating from the 14th to 17th centuries, several accessible only to male visitors and containing libraries of illuminated manuscripts and painted wall cycles. The lake's papyrus-fringed shores support endemic fish species and abundant waterbirds including the African darter and Goliath heron. Tankwa reed boats of ancient papyrus construction are still used by fishermen on parts of the lake.