1-Day Tour Old Bridge, Monastery,WaterFalls Wildlife,Birds,

Overview

Available languages

English

French

7 hours

Mobile ticket

Drive through a spectacular mountain scenery and visit the beautiful medieval monastery founded in the 13th Century by Abuna Tekle Haimanot who reputedly stood 7 years on one leg praying;

Portuguese bridge near Debre Libanos was erected by the Portuguese in the 16th century; it was actually built at the turn of the 19th century by Ethiopians, albeit in the old Portuguese style. The narrow span makes a pretty picture and the gushing (in the rainy season) cascade just below it is even more impressive with water falls

Stop At: Portuguese Bridge, enjoy Water Fall, along with jemma River breathtaking views

Jemma River into a large gorge beside Debre Libanos and Fiche. The Jemma joins the Wenchit before reaching the Abbay (Blue Nile) River. Jemma Valley and enjoy the surrounding area

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony

Drinking bottled water+ WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

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 for local guide

Alcohol beverages

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Drive 110 km north from Addis over passing Mount Entotot and Embark on a day trip 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.

Options

1-Day Tour Old Bridge, Monastery,WaterFalls Wildlife,Birds,

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

12 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great place, amazing Guide!
298nathanaelb,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were three people on a tour with Jonas. He picked us up right at our accommodation in a great car. On the way to the Portuguese Bridge, he knew exactly where to find the best breakfast and coffee. When we arrived at this wonderful place, he impressed us with his deep knowledge, showed us the most beautiful spots, gave us plenty of time to enjoy them, and even took amazing photos of us. He organized the trip in a professional, authentic, and discreet way, and led us to the Gelada monkeys so we could experience them up close — absolutely incredible. I can highly recommend Jonas for any trips around Addis Ababa and all over Ethiopia. Thank you, Jonas!
Best Tour for a day Out and Addis Ababa City!
tbyrd711,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Once in a lifetime experience!!!!. Being a magical experience is an understatement. I would highly recommend this booking. My guide Yonas was great!! He was very knowledgeable of the region and show tremendous patience . It was the best 3 days of my life. This should be on everyone’s buck list !!!
Excellent trip to get out of Addis and see wildlife!
mellerw,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a lovely tour experience with Yonas who was very safe driver and guide The views, especially near the Portuguese Bridge, were breathtaking. Yonas was very knowledgeable about Ethiopian history, culture, and wildlife. And he was also a very experienced driver who made us feel safe throughout our trip. I appreciated his great eyes for birds and other wildlife, and his willingness to stop and point them out to us along the trip. We also got to see a lot of geladas (amazing!), both on the way to the monastery and near the Portuguese Bridge. We were very lucky -- even though we went in the rainy season (June) the weather was perfect! No rain until after we started the drive back to Addis. This made the hikes easier, but there were definitely some rocky areas that would have been quite slippery in the rain. Definitely worth it for the Day and we do recommend Yonas.
Perfcet Day out side of addis ababa
joregl,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
perfect for day trip out side of the busy city of addis ababa Yonas did an awesome job customized a perfect itinerary we couldn't ask for more very informative and knowledgeable of Ethiopian history and culture highly recommended for any one looking to spend a nice day out of addis. contact Yonas on whats-app +251913384298
Great experience
bennyw646,
Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
As a photographer this was the perfect opportunity to capture nature . The natural beautiful sceneries was amazing. Our guide Yonas was the ultimate professional guide , thanks to him our experiences were priceless.
I recommend Daily Addis Tours!
salomek643,
Dec 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I have travelled twice with Daily Addis Tours and I had a wonderful time both trips. I felt like they knew exactly what they were doing and were very professional. Everything was well organized and we rarely had an issue with anything. From Yonas the owner of the company to the driver and guide, they all made sure that the trips were suitable and comfortable for us. Everything from the hotels, lodges and attractions was great. Thank you Yonas and your team!
Wonderful tour with Daily Addis Tours
negeseh,
Nov 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a two-day stop over in Addis and contacted Yonas to set up some tours. On Sunday, he arranged for a trip to the Blue Nile Gorge, a couple of hours outside Addis. My driver/guide, Adisu, expertly navigated the Addis traffic and in no time we were in the country side. Unbelievably beautiful. I spent Thursday on a walking tour with Yonas. I had told Yonas that museums didn’t interest me - I wanted to see the city. He delivered! We started by hiking up to a lookout to see the city, then through downtown and into the mercado market. The immense market is not to be missed, but I honestly can’t imagine trying to navigate it on my own. Yonas arranged for lunch and refreshment breaks and explained what we were seeing and tasting along the way. It was a great two days, and I greatly enjoyed meeting Yonas and Adisu. I highly recommend!
Excellent Service
ericsN8801OF,
Jun 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I booked Daily Addis Tours for a solo trip to Debere Libanose monastry and Portuguese Bridge they were excellent. The online booking process was smooth and I received detailed information. Pickup was scheduled for 5am from my hotel and they were on time. Special mention to my tour guide Yonas was my guide do the drive as well who was fantastic. he is very knowledgeable, kind and extremely professional. Overall, the trip was value for money and their service and offering were as advertised. I highly recommend this company
Amazing views and experiences
LauraK MY,
May 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I went on a 1 day tour with Yonas (+251913384298) to Debre Libanos after my work meeting in Addis Ababa and it was the best decision I made the entire trip! He brought me to places with spectacular views of the area surrounding the monastery and the beaitiful Gemma river valley, we were also lucky to spot some Gelada baboons! He is honest, has good command of English, knowledgeable about local people and culture, and tries his best to bring you to beautiful areas and experiences that are off the touristy track. As a solo traveller and first time traveller to Ethiopia, i would recommend getting your first tour with Yonas as he will make sure you bring back amazing memories.
Going to the Entoto mountains and beyond !!
saratts2022,
Nov 11, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Superb trip to the country side, organized By Yonas at Daily Adiss Tours whatsapp Nnumber +251913384298 seeing the villages of Sululta till the Debre Libano Monastery and Cave Church. It was a long drive - more than 130 km each direction, full of adventure, local people, cattle, sheeps, donkeys, baboos, birds, waterfall. The Portuguese bridge, very old, need restoration in one of the pillars. Is a remarkable monument, but can crack and fall anytime. Someone please talk to the local authorities. Food was served in a magnific restaurant with a view to the valley and river. It is a total metaphysical experience... Thanks to Yonas