Ethiopia to open Grand Renaissance Dam to visitors as national landmark
Ethiopia is due to open on September 8 the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to the public.
The US$5 billion megaproject, declared “complete” by the government in July, has long been a symbol of Ethiopia’s ambition and resilience. GERD is situated on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region. It is located roughly 14 km from Sudan’s border and about 500–700 km northwest of Addis Ababa.
The dam primary goal is to generate hydroelectric power, addressing Ethiopia’s energy shortages and enabling electricity exports to neighboring countries. With a length of 1.8 km, the dam has a reservoir capacity of 74 billion m³. With an installed capacity of 5.15 gigawatts, GERD is the largest hydroelectric plant in Africa and ranks among the world’s top 20.
A new tourism destination for Ethiopia
Now, officials are positioning it not only as an engine of power generation but also as a driver of tourism and regional pride. The reservoir is indeed Africa’s largest artificial lake.
During a recent visit to the dam alongside Social Affairs Adviser Deacon Daniel Kibret, PM Abiy described public access as both an economic opportunity and a symbolic gesture. He invited Ethiopians, the diaspora, and international travelers to see the massive engineering achievement firsthand.
Details on ticketing, hours, and security are expected soon. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that visits will begin “in the coming weeks.” It will coincide with formal inauguration events planned for September.
“GERD is not a threat, but a shared opportunity,” Abiy added. He reiterated that the dam will not reduce downstream flows to Egypt and Sudan. Both countries expressed concerns about Nile water security fueling tensions with Ethiopia.
Opening it to visitors could diversify its economic impact, offering a new source of revenue for the Benishangul-Gumuz region, where it is located. Tourism experts say the dam’s vast reservoir, panoramic viewpoints, and surrounding highlands could become year-round attractions if developed properly.
Ethiopia hopes that the lake will become a destination for boat tours, fishing, birdwatching, and eco-tourism. And that it will add to the country’s appeal.
(Source : Abyssinia Business Network)
Related News Stories: Africa Travel Connect concludes latest networking event 577 hotels in Africa are in development in 2025 SalamAir takes delivery of 15th aircraft Partner News - TravelMole New Indonesia airline shuts down scheduled flight operations DidaTravel - TravelMole DidaTravel - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt