Below are some of the major travel highlights for Nile and Rift Valleys. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan

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Boat Journeys of Rift Valley

Lake Tana Monasteries
Lake Tana Monasteries
Lake Tana Monasteries

The islands and shores of Lake Tana contain numerous centuries old monasteries reached by boat trips from Bahir Dar. The monasteries were used as a refuge for emperors and their riches at times of upheaval and according to legend the Ark of the Covenant was kept here when Axum was under threat. Today the monasteries contain numerous religious treasures including Axumite crosses and manuscripts.