Debre Libanos Monastery Visit: Explore Authentic Ethiopian Christianity and Scenic Nature
5.0
2 Ratings
Debre Libanos
Embark on a day trip to Debre Libanos Monastery, the oldest Orthodox Christian Monastery in Ethiopia. Experience the stunning beauty of the Jemma River Gorge and encounter endemic wildlife. Immerse yourself in Ethiopian culture with local interactions and traditional activities.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Debre Libanos - Debre Libanos Monastery is the largest Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity Monastery. Located 105km far from Addis Ababa (2h30 driving), Debre Libanos Monastery was originally founded in 1283 by Ethiopian Saint called Saint Tekle Haymanot who meditated in a cave for 29 years. During the tour, visit the church built by Emperor Haile Selassie I in the 1960s and the museum.
  • Portuguese Bridge - It is an ancient Bridge made of rock with two arches. The Bridge was built by Portuguese soldiers in the 16th century. However, some historians claim that Ras Darge actually built the Portuguese Bridge in the 19th Century.

This is also a chance to have a nice view on Jemma River Gorge (a branch of Blue Nile) and to see plenty of birds and Gelada - a type of endemic baboons.

What's Included
  • Driver Allowance
  • Bottled water
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Lunch
  • All Entrance Fees (Debre Libanos Monastery / Portuguese Bridge)
  • Surcharges on fuel
  • Guide at the sites
  • Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
  • All not Mentioned on The Inclusion
Additional Information

Escape the city life of Addis Ababa for a day, immersing yourself in nature and delving into the historical aspects of Christianity. This tour will take you to Debre Libanos Monastery - the oldest known Orthodox Christian Monastery in Ethiopia, established in the 13th century. You’ll also get to marvel at the picturesque Jemma River Gorge and cross the Portuguese Bridge. The local wildlife, which includes a variety of birds and geladas monkeys - an indigenous baboon species, is quite a spectacle. Additionally, this experience offers a tangible encounter with Ethiopian culture as you interact with local dwellers, savor homemade cuisine and beverages, and partake in a traditional coffee ceremony.

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
5.0
(2 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
X2474kdlucasb
Jul 18, 2023
A day of nature and history at Debre Libanos - We left Addis Ababa in the morning with our guide Alex. We began with a guided tour of the Debre Libanos monastery. It's a place steeped in history, which our guide Alex was great at explaining to us. We then had lunch in a place with a magnificent view, and finished with a walk (about 1h) to the protuguese bridge. The walk was magnificent, and so was the landscape. We highly recommend this day with Addis Authentic Tours. Many thanks to Alex and Mulu for the organization.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samuel_crane
Jun 1, 2023
Day Trip out of Addis Ababa - I had a lay over in Addis Ababa. So I decided to get out of town for a day trip. Alex meet me at the Skylight Hotel at 8am and we headed north. Had a amazing tour and saw so many wonderful things. Lunch was great with the best view in Ethiopia. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today