• Debre Libanos - This is one of the ancient and historical monasteries in Ethiopia, located northwest of Addis Ababa. The monastery was established in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, who, according to tradition, 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 structures of Debre Libanos remain, David Buxton believed “there are interesting things still to be found among the neighboring cliffs.” The current buildings 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 preserved; and five religious schools. The cave where the saint resided is in the nearby cliffs, described by a travel guide as a five-minute walk away. This cave contains a spring, whose water is considered holy and is a pilgrimage site.

• Portuguese Bridge - The Portuguese Bridge near Debre Libanos was constructed in the 16th century by the Portuguese; however, it was actually built at the turn of the 19th century by Ethiopians, in the traditional Portuguese style. The narrow span creates a picturesque scene, and the cascading waterfall below it during the rainy season is even more impressive.

• Portuguese Bridge - The Jemma River flows into a large gorge beside Debre Libanos and Fiche. The Jemma joins the Wenchit before reaching the Abbay (Blue Nile) River. Jemma Valley and the surrounding area are renowned for bird-watching tours. The primary target for bird watchers is the endemic and range-restricted Harwood’s Francolin, along with other species such as 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. Visitors will also encounter one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding heart baboon. In the gorge, a variety of vultures can be seen, including Lamergeyer’s, Ruppell’s, and Lappet-faced vultures.

• Tea and coffee provided
• Complimentary bottled water
• All attractions fees included
• Lunch included

• Dinner and hotel
• Any Alcoholic Drinks

What Sets This Tour Apart:

• Opportunity to delve into Ethiopia’s historical background
• Chance to spot the native Ethiopian baboons, known as Chilada
• Opportunity to observe rare bird species endemic only to Ethiopia, especially in Debre Libanos
• Opportunity to savor authentic Ethiopian cuisine
• Chance to enjoy hiking near the beautiful Blue Nile Gorge & Jemma Valley
• Visit to one of Ethiopia’s most ancient monasteries and its museums
• Experience traditional rural life by visiting local grass huts found in the countryside
• Enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls at the Portuguese bridge, which is among the oldest bridges in Ethiopia, built by Portuguese explorers
• Minimum age is 6
• Dress code is formal

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