Addis Ababa Day Trip: Debre Libanos & Blue Nile Gorge - History, Wildlife, and Cuisine
3.8
6 Ratings
Debre Libanos
Embark on a unique day trip from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos and Blue Nile Gorge. Immerse yourself in Ethiopia's history, wildlife, cuisine, and natural wonders.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Debre Libanos - Its one of the ancient and historical monastery in Ethiopia,Which is lying on northwest of Addis Ababa. The monastery was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, according to tradition; he meditated in a cave for 29 years. The monastery’s chief abbot, called the Ichege, was the second most powerful official in the Ethiopian Church after the Abuna. The monastery complex sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Abbay River. None of the original buildings of Debre Libanos survive, although David Buxton suspected “there are interesting things still to be found among the neighboring cliffs.” Current buildings include the church over Tekle Haymanot’s tomb, which Emperor Haile Selassie ordered constructed in 1961; a slightly older Church of the Cross, where Buxton was told a fragment of the True Cross is preserved; and five religious schools. The cave where the saint lived is in the nearby cliffs, which one travel guide describes as a five-minute walk away. This cave contains a spring, whose water is considered holy and is the object of pilgrimages.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic Beverage
- Services which are not mentioned on the inclusion section
Additional Information
This Tour Stands Out For Numerous Reasons
-With this tour, you get the opportunity to delve into the rich Ethiopian history.
-Get an exclusive glimpse of the endemic Ethiopian baboons, known as Chilada.
-Experience the unique sightings of endemic birds that reside only in Ethiopia and specifically in Debre Libanos.
-Savor delectable Ethiopian cuisine.
-Embark on a thrilling hiking journey near the George of Blue Nile & Jemma Valley.
-Visit one of Ethiopia’s oldest monasteries and check out its museum.
-Experience rural life by exploring the local grass houses or huts of the countryside.
-Witness the breathtaking waterfalls near the Portuguese bridge, one of Ethiopia’s oldest bridges constructed by the people of Portugal.
Location
Debre Libanos
Ethiopia German lodge , Addis Ababa
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
3.8
(6 Ratings)
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Leilah_h
Jun 1, 2023
What a memorable day! - What an awesome day! Becki was a great guide and we loved the Ethiopian countryside and highlands. The food was delicious too! We were so happy with this tour!!!!
Review provided by Viator
Leilah_hillman
Jun 1, 2023
Super day in the Ethiopian countryside - Excellent day with Becki! The Ethiopian countryside was so beautiful and we saw the gelada baboons! The Blue Nile and gorge were absolutely fantastic!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorans884
Mar 16, 2020
Great day at Debre Libanos. - We had an amazing day trip to the Debre Libanos Monastery, the place has so much history, and we drive to the Portuguese bridge and Blue Nile gorge and it was so beautiful, we really enjoyed the view so much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hanka
Feb 1, 2020
Perfect one day trip from Addis - I can absolutely recommend owner Alex and guide Belete Abrham. Communication about the trip was smooth, execution and organization flawless.
I was picked up in a guest house in Addis and we proceeded to the oldest monastery of Ethiopia Debre Libanos and its museums. On the way there we watched baboons called Chilada in the forest close enough to take photos.
Then we proceeded to a habesha restaurant which is close to the Portuguese bridge (which is one of the oldest bridges in Ethiopia) and first did a bit of hiking near to the George of Blue Nile & Jemma Valley to enjoy some breathtaking views before lunch.
These guys are professional, communicate well and I can only recommend this one day trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
786angelal
Jun 30, 2023
BAD TOUR - my husband booked this tour for me in Adisababa Ethiopia, because he didn’t want me just sitting around a hotel. First of all the tour did not show up. I waited in front of the hotel for one hour finally went back up to the room to search for a contact number. Viator does not print local contact numbers on their payment receipt so I had to dig in search, dig and search. One hour later I finally came across a local number. Two hours now has gone by from a pick up time. While speaking with the local representative I had invoked a refund option on this tour. He says he got that email and he wanted or suddenly demanded that I pay him in US dollars when he comes to pick me up I protestant and told him I wasn’t paying a one cent more to him. He did, however, finally show up and picked me up , we went out of town to next town where he handed me off to a driver who was actually going to do the tour. That’s when I realized that I was the only person on this tour I am a small female from US in middle of Africa, being handed off to a strange man. This made me really uneasy. the only good thing about this tour is that the driver who actually did a tour was a super nice man he did the best he could with a last minute notice. I gave him a hefty tip. I do NOT recommend Viator for any African tours. Buyerbe aware, especially if you’re a woman.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danilocx6281lx
Feb 25, 2023
No experience, waiting until now and the operator does not appears. - The tour operator does not shows up!!!
I have called to the company before finish the booking here to confirm if it was possible to make the tour in the day after, the company owner have confirmed by phone, I proceed the booking and he stop to respond my calls and message, do not show in the hotel and to request a refund from this site you must call to USA! Its a tourist trap, do not book with this company nor from this site!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
