Private Tour to Debre Libanos Monastery and Jemma River Gorge
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Spend a day away from Addis Abeba, exploring historical and natural attractions, on the way and around to the monastery of Debre Libanos. It is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Walk down to the famous 16th-century Portuguese Bridge, the narrow span makes it look like the Portuguese style but it was actually built by the Ethiopians. In the rainy season, the cascade just below it is quite impressive.
- Visit Debre Libanos Monastery and walk over the Portuguese Bridge with an impressive cascade just below it.
- Escape the bustle of the capital and discover the picturesque countryside and mountain views.
- Have a great view down to the Jemma River, which is one of the tributaries of the Nile, and there is a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below.
- See one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada, and watch the majesty flight of a variety of vultures over the gorge high in the sky.
- Visit a local family and enjoy an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Debre Libanos
Visit Debre Libanos an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The monastery was founded by the renowned 13th-century mystic, St Teklehaimanot. You will have a tour of the monastery and learn about the interesting history and life of the whole aeria (2h) Enjoy a typical Ethiopian lunch with a great view over the Jemma River gorge, which is one of the tributaries of the Nile. There is a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below. Enjoy a typical Ethiopian lunch with a great view over the Jemma River gorge, which is one of the tributaries of the Nile. There is a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below.
Portuguese Bridge
Walk about 300m down to the famous 16th century Portuguese Bridge, the narrow span makes it to look like the Portuguese style but it was actually built by the Ethiopians. In the rainy season the cascade just below it is quite impressive. You will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding-heart baboon. Over the gorge are a variety of vultures – Lamergeyer’s, Ruppell’s and Lappet faced vultures circling the sky Before heading back to Addis Ababa visit a local family to enjoy a typical coffee ceremony and the unique taste of the traditionally made coffee. (2h)
Options
Private Tour to Debre Libanos Monastery and Jemma River Gorge
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Private transportation
Bottled water
Local on-site guides for the monastery
Entrance
Lunch
Pick up and drop of to your hotel
Local family visits
Professional experienced English-speaking escort tour guide
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Day
Carol P,Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful day out of Addis. Monastery, Great African Rift and walk to Portuguese Bridge were all good.
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Operated by Eyayaw Tours Ethiopia