A day trip to Debrelibanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge

Overview

Available languages

English

French

10 hours

Mobile ticket

Adefa Tours help to explore Debrelibanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge, and the cave where the Saint Tekle Haymanot prayed. In Debrelibanos you will visit the small waterfall, ending up in the Jemma River Gorge, one of the tributaries of the Blue Nile River. On the other side of the cliffs Gelada Monkeys can be seen in the bridge side with awesome views.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Debrelibanos monastery and the Portuguese Bridge, which was one of first bridge in Ethiopia and one of the oldest monastery founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot. The church was built over Tekle Haymanot’s tomb, which were constructed by the order of the last King of Ethiopia, (Haile Selassie I) in 1961, and Elaborated with Mosaics and stained-glass. Escape into Ethiopia tours help visitors to explore the church, the cave where the saint prayed is in the nearby cliffs. Escape into Ethiopia tours offers walk to the cave, this cave contains holy water. In Debrelibanos you will visit the small waterfall, ending up in the Jemma River Gorge, one of the tributaries of the Blue Nile River. On the other side of the cliffs Gelada Monkeys can be seen in the bridge side with awesome views. Debrelibanos is two hours’ drive from the catial Addis Ababa.

3 hours 15 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Fresh fruit/ Banana or orange

Bottle of water

Entrance fees

All Fees and Taxes

Lunch

Coffee and/or Tea

Good conditioned car

Professional Tour Guide

Pickup points

Trinity Hotel

Bole Sub City, in front of Bole Secondary High School Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Bole Airport

Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Options

A day trip to Debrelibanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

2 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Super day tour and geladas galore
Carine-Jmi,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We spent 2 whole days with Sisay...in French! At little care for us, he made us discover many things in Addis Ababa and surroundings. By thinking outside the box sometimes. We really appreciated his punctuality, knowledge, kindness, humor and flexibility. Real custom. Thanks to him, we had a great time in Ethiopia. Thank you Sisay
Great day with Sissay at Debre Libanos
GuillaumeS2,,Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The view is totally awesome in the area of Debre Libanos indeed but going with Adefa Tours and Sissay is an experience in itself. You won't find a better guide for setting a personalized trip! I highly recommend! By the way, the monastery worths it and the Portuguese bridge is a must seen! Afterwards you will enjoy an Injera with an amazing view on the valley!