A Day Trip to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese bridge

Explore Debre Libanos Monastery, witness Jemma Gorge’s stunning views, and spot rare birds. Discover the mystic history and natural beauty of Ethiopia.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Debre Libanos - Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The monastery there was founded by the renowned 13th-century mystic, Saint Teclehaimanot, and there is a small cave near the church (which is of recent construction) where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other was wasted away and dropped off.

On this tour, visitors can combine history and culture with some good bird watching. As we pass through the Sululta Plain, we can visit the Oromo people’s roundhouse to experience the local life.
Also, you will see birds like black-winged plovers, wattled ibis, blue-winged geese, common cranes, and wheat ears.

  • Portuguese Bridge - The Jemma River is one of the Nile’s tributaries, and the valley below has a drop of nearly 1000 meters. Here at the gorge (and in the forest around the church), we can expect to see the Banded Barbet, the Black-headed Forest Oriole, the White-billed Starling, the Red-billed Starling, the White-winged Cliff Chat, the White-backed Black Tit, the White-cheeked Turaco, and Hemprich’s Hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada, or bleeding heart baboon. (In the gorge, we will see a variety of vultures: Lamergeyer’s, Ruppell’s, and Lappet-faced vultures.)
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Water
  • Pick up and drop off
  • Lunch
  • All fees and taxes
  • Service of local guide
Additional Information

The renowned mystic Saint Teclehaimanot founded the monastery at Debre Libanos, a significant center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. There’s a small cave near the recently constructed church where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg until the other wasted away and fell off.

Upon reaching Debre Libanos, our first destination will be the Jemma Gorge. One of the Nile’s tributaries, the Jemma River descends to a valley that is almost a thousand meters below the surface. We may anticipate to observe the Black-headed woodland Oriole, the Red-billed Starling, the White-billed Starling, and the Banded Barbet here in the gorge as well as in the surrounding woodland.

  • The destination is 100 km from the capital and there will be 3 hours round trip
Location
SKYLIGHT HOTEL GRAND BALLROOM (ABYSSINIA)
Airport Road
Our guide will have the sign of Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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