A Day Trip to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese bridge
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The renowned mystic Saint Teclehaimanot founded the monastery at Debre Libanos, a significant center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. There's a small cave near the recently constructed church where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg until the other wasted away and fell off.
Upon reaching Debre Libanos, our first destination will be the Jemma Gorge. One of the Nile's tributaries, the Jemma River descends to a valley that is almost a thousand meters below the surface. We may anticipate to observe the Black-headed woodland Oriole, the Red-billed Starling, the White-billed Starling, and the Banded Barbet here in the gorge as well as in the surrounding woodland.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The destination is 100 km from the capital and there will be 3 hours round trip
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Debre Libanos
Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The monastery there was founded by the renowned 13th-century mystic, Saint Teclehaimanot, and there is a small cave near the church (which is of recent construction) where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other was wasted away and dropped off. On this tour, visitors can combine history and culture with some good bird watching. As we pass through the Sululta Plain, we can visit the Oromo people's roundhouse to experience the local life. Also, you will see birds like black-winged plovers, wattled ibis, blue-winged geese, common cranes, and wheat ears.
Portuguese Bridge
The Jemma River is one of the Nile's tributaries, and the valley below has a drop of nearly 1000 meters. Here at the gorge (and in the forest around the church), we can expect to see 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. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada, or bleeding heart baboon. (In the gorge, we will see a variety of vultures: Lamergeyer’s, Ruppell's, and Lappet-faced vultures.)
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Lunch
All Fees and Taxes
pick up and drop off
water
the service of local guide
Pickup points
Addis Regency Hotel
K. 03/19 H. no 504, St. George Roundabout Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Harmony Hotel
Cameroon Street, Near Edna Mall Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa
Kazanchis Business District, Kirkos Subcity 17/18 Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Bole Airport
Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Jupiter International Hotel Cazanchise
Tito Street, Cazanchise, Kirkos Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Hilton Addis Ababa
Menelik II Avenue, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
addis ababa
Options
Debre Libanos
Pickup included
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A worthy day trip in Addias Abba, Ethiopia
mdnasimuli2025,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A day trip to Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge offers a memorable blend of history, scenery, and culture. The experience feels peaceful, and the breathtaking views along the way. Especially, the Portuguese Bridge visiting experience is immersive for me, and the admission fee is modest, making it a great value. Expect to spend 4–6 hours, including travel and walking. The atmosphere is serene, less crowded. Local staff and guides are friendly. This trip is best for travelers who enjoy heritage sites, nature, and photography. I came to Ethiopia for the first time, and the hospitality and assistance I received from the local staff, driver, and guides exceeded my expectations; they were very cordial.
A taste of Ethiopia
annalS8502FP,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very unique experience where we got a good taste of authentic Ethiopian culture. We got an informative tour at the monastery and a fun hike with stunning views at the bridge. We also had a few viewpoint stops and saw monkeys. Our guide Oli and driver Danny were very welcoming and accommodating to our requests, needs and desires. The only downside was the road itself as it has a lot of potholes and significant traffic.
To get an extensive impression of Ethiopia, the tour is worth it!
antonioo281,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The monastery and the Portuguese bridge in and of themselves, are nothing special. But the whole tour with the real impressions from Ethiopia (life in the villages, some customs and traditions) is really worthwhile. Especially with Oli! He is so attentive and hospitable. He has responded to every wish and has completely fulfilled his goal of making a beautiful and informative day for me.
Amazing Guide & Unforgettable Day Trip
866josth,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day trip to Debre Libanos and the Portuguese Bridge. Our guide was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and spoke very good English, which made the experience even better. We were able to see everything on the itinerary, including the famous gelada baboons, which was a real highlight. Along the way, they took us to a local restaurant for lunch, and we also enjoyed a honey wine tasting, which was a great cultural touch. Kudoos to the driver as well! Everything was well organized and relaxed. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone visiting the area.
Very enjoyable and experience of the " real" Ethiopia
EcotripsToronto,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an all day trip which takes about 2 or 2.5 hours each way from Addis. The very sacred Church, which is visited by many Orthodox people from all around, is very interesting , with a historical museum attached, and the Portuguese Bridge is very scenic and striking with cliffs, waterfalls and a troop of Gelada Baboons which are a fascinating endemic family of Baboons which are very peaceful and acclimatized to people. Of course , like any wild animal viewing you have to be lucky in order to have them appear during your visit. I wasn't lucky but the very helpful guide send me photos and videos from a couple of days prior when they were present. The guide and driver were excellent and very attentive and provided useful information. women, be prepared to use squat toilets on the way and the walk to the Bridge and cliffs is very rocky and steep at times. A walking stick is a good idea if you not young and fit! However the guide was great about finding less steep options and lending a hand for balance. The rural markets, people herding their animals, and the farmland was scenic and very typical of most of Ethiopia outside of Addis, including sites of the traditional conical grass roofed houses and Teff and wheat fields. It was super fun to have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant with no cutlery or napkins, so be prepared with wet wipes and women with TP!
very good
eldhoek,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00very good ..nature and country side trip with professional guide. recommended if you are looking for an outside tour of addis
From US$90.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Liyu Ethiopia Tours