Embark on a breathtaking tour of Debre Libanos Monastery, where you’ll discover stunning mountain landscapes and delve into the rich medieval history of this 13th-century marvel. Don’t miss the chance to explore the iconic Portuguese bridge and soak in the beauty of Addis Ababa.
Embark on a breathtaking tour of Debre Libanos Monastery, where you’ll discover stunning mountain landscapes and delve into the rich medieval history of this 13th-century marvel. Don’t miss the chance to explore the iconic Portuguese bridge and soak in the beauty of Addis Ababa.
- PR6W+H3H - Travel 110 km north from Addis, passing Mount Entoto, and embark on a day trip to one of Ethiopia’s ancient and historical monasteries, located northwest of Addis Ababa. Tradition holds that the monastery was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, who meditated in a cave for 29 years. The monastery’s chief abbot, known as…
- PR6W+H3H - Travel 110 km north from Addis, passing Mount Entoto, and embark on a day trip to one of Ethiopia’s ancient and historical monasteries, located northwest of Addis Ababa. Tradition holds that the monastery was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, who meditated in a cave for 29 years. The monastery’s chief abbot, known as the Ichege, was the second most influential figure in the Ethiopian Church after the Abuna.
The monastery complex is situated on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of a tributary of the Abbay River. Although none of the original buildings of Debre Libanos remain, David Buxton believed that “there are interesting things still to be found among the neighboring cliffs.” The current structures include the church over Tekle Haymanot’s tomb, commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1961; a slightly older Church of the Cross, where Buxton was informed a fragment of the True Cross is kept; and five religious schools. The cave where the saint resided is located in the nearby cliffs, described by a travel guide as a five-minute walk away. This cave contains a spring, whose water is deemed holy and attracts pilgrims.

- Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony
- Drinking bottled water + WiFi on board
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Non Vegan and vegetarian lunch
- All attraction fees included with Local guide
- Entry/admission - Portuguese Bridge
- Entry/admission - Debre Libanos
- Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony
- Drinking bottled water + WiFi on board
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Non Vegan and vegetarian lunch
- All attraction fees included with Local guide
- Entry/admission - Portuguese Bridge
- Entry/admission - Debre Libanos
- Tips for your driver and local guide
- Alcohol beverages
- Tips for your driver and local guide
- Alcohol beverages
Embark on a journey through breathtaking mountain landscapes to explore a stunning medieval monastery, established in the 13th century by Abuna Tekle Haimanot, who is famously known for praying on one leg for seven years.
The Portuguese Bridge near Debre Libanos, originally thought to be constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, was actually…
Embark on a journey through breathtaking mountain landscapes to explore a stunning medieval monastery, established in the 13th century by Abuna Tekle Haimanot, who is famously known for praying on one leg for seven years.
The Portuguese Bridge near Debre Libanos, originally thought to be constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, was actually built by Ethiopians at the turn of the 19th century in the traditional Portuguese style. Its narrow span creates a picturesque scene, and the waterfall beneath it, especially during the rainy season, is truly awe-inspiring.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Portuguese Bridge, Near the Blue Nile Waterfall, Debre Libanos, Ethiopia
The Jemma River flows into a vast gorge near Debre Libanos and Fiche, eventually merging with the Wenchit before joining the Abbay (Blue Nile) River. Enjoy the beauty of the Jemma Valley and its surrounding areas.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.