Lake Hayk

Lake Hayk lies at around 2,000 metres in South Wollo, a freshwater lake some twenty square kilometres in area with the town of Hayk on its shore and farmland running down to the water. On a peninsula stands Istifanos monastery, founded in the thirteenth century and one of the older monastic centres in the country, which holds illuminated manuscripts, crowns and crosses given by successive rulers and preserved in its treasury; the community has a long scholarly tradition. As at many Ethiopian monasteries, women are not permitted to enter the church precinct. Fishing supports the lakeside villages and birds use the shallows. The lake sits on the main road north from Dessie toward Woldia and Lalibela, so it is easily reached.

What you actually see

• Istifanos monastery - the thirteenth-century foundation on the peninsula.
• Manuscript treasury - illuminated books, crowns and crosses.
• The lake shore - farmland and fishing villages around the water.
• Waterbirds - herons, pelicans and waders in the shallows.

When to go

October to March for the roads and clear weather. The lake sits on the route between Dessie and Lalibela, so it fits into a driving day. Religious festivals bring larger numbers to the monastery.

Honest expectations

Women are not allowed into the monastery precinct, which is the rule at a number of Ethiopian monasteries and should be known before travelling out. Manuscripts are shown by monks at their discretion and a donation is expected. Facilities around the lake are minimal.

Nearby

Dessie lies south; the road north leads toward Lalibela.