Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
On this popular road trip, you will pass through beautiful countryside scenery and the real Ethiopian way of life in action - farmers, rural communities, towns cut off from each other. At the destinations, you will visit the ancient Debre Libanos Monastery (and its cave church), the famed ‘Portuguese Bridge’ built in the 1890s, the Nile Gorge with its abundant endemic birdlife and gelada baboons and enjoy a view of Addis Ababa from a viewpoint set at 3,300 meters above sea level (Entoto Mountain).
Please note spotting the Gelada Baboons can be a matter of luck, as they live in an open park.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 7 years
What To Expect
Debre Libanos Orthodox Church
Founded by Ethiopian Saint Abune Tekle Haymanot, within a steep riverine canyon in 1284, Debre Libanos later became the political centre of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and is where Emperor Lebna Dengal received the first Portuguese mission to Ethiopia in 1520. The Italian army destroyed the original church in a 1937 massacre that claimed the lives of 800 monks, deacons and lay worshippers. The modern church, its domed roof decorated with stained-glass windows, remains an important pilgrimage site.
Portuguese Bridge
Although the locals believe the stone-arch Portuguese bridge was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it was actually built in the 1890s by Ras Darge in the old Portuguese style. The narrow span makes a spectacular picture and the gushing (in the rainy season) cascade just below it is very impressive.
What‘s Included
Local guides
Ground transportation including a car, fuel and a driver
Pickup and dropoff at any location in Addis Ababa (either Hotel or Airport)
Lunch, including a bottle of water and hot drinks
Museum and Church Entrance Fees
Accompanying English speaking tour guide
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
278 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beauty of debre libanos
Tunc B,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00İt was a great experience to discover beautiful nature of debre libanos. Our driver Abiy is so kind accompanying us sürüngen the trip. Highly recommended.
Gelada Baboons
Davide S,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Very friendly tour guides! We went to the market, the church, in the wild and saw the beautiful Gelada Baboons that can only be seen in Ethiopia! We always felt very safe. I can only recommend it!! :)
All we enjoy at lot Special Thanks to you Team Guider Mr Gabru 🤝❤️🙏
813tanishd,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a Amazing,Awesome tour trip we enjoyed a lot really from start to end all Tour places are Super and Beautiful Special Feedback to *Mr GABRU* Our Tour Guider he makes our trips so beautiful/Enjoyable/Caring/Lovely. We really so much happy and grateful to have such Great Guider MR GABRU 🤝💯🫂❤️ These man will sure sure grow Ethiopian Addis’s Ababa all Foreign Tours Proud and Happy,Enjoyable by his Attractive Communications,Caring and Joyful Ethiopia Food Injera and Coffee ☕️ was Delicious ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ *5 Star for MR GABRU and his Tours Team* Thanks a lot 🇪🇹🤝☕️💯🗻🌄
Great day tour with friends!
Bow H,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gabru, our tour guide was so friendly & accommodating. We appreciate him showing us his beautiful country!
Debre Libanos!
P999CV ,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is one of the best trips I have ever experienced. The trip distance is long but the tour guide Gebru is very warm and knowledgeable so it is not boring. We saw so may donkeys and monkeys. We saw churches and museums, and bridge and beautiful scenery. The Portuguese bridge is located in a place they call grande canyon of ethiopia, this time it is a green one.
Excursion North of Addis Ababa
kylerZ6257RD,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After a last minute booking, they were very accommodating to finding transport for a large group. Pick up and drop off was easy at hotel. But what made the day special was our tour guide, Gebre, he was so knowledgeable, patient and funny. I'm glad I made a friend in him.
Very nice beautiful professional especially with MR GIBRU thank you indeef to you
Walid M,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was 5 out 5 very friendly well prepared from the begging to the end everything step was well done very professional I would like to give my gratitude to MR GIBRU for his hospitality and being at the top with us explaining with care minor details to each places that we visited
The guide Gebru is really...
Abhinav B,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide Gebru is really sweet and funny, and makes the tour enjoyable. Its quite adventurous so be prepared for that. Can get hot as well, dress appropriately. Watching the baboons is fun, and the stained glass is pretty but the view from the Portuguese bride across the gorge is absolutely fantastic. The food is excellent as well, and so is the coffee.
Tour
Jason K,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My guide is gebru . He is excellent excellent excellent. He explained very good.. Drive also very good I recommend it this tour
Incredible Experience with Gebru & Atsede!
SIK7UOL,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an exceptional experience with MYGUZO. Their communication was top-notch; I reached out via WhatsApp just a day in advance and received a prompt, helpful response that made planning easy. Our guide, Gebru, was wonderful. He was incredibly flexible, allowing us to enjoy each site at our own pace without ever feeling rushed. He was also very attentive, constantly ensuring we were comfortable and looked after throughout the day. A special mention goes to our driver, Atsede. The car was very comfortable, which made the long journey truly enjoyable. While road conditions in Ethiopia can be quite challenging, Atsede was a master behind the wheel. She navigated the rougher patches so skillfully that we barely felt the bumps, ensuring a smooth and safe ride from start to finish. The itinerary was perfect: from the peaceful monastery and the stunning Portuguese Bridge to a lovely lunch and the breathtaking views of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto. Both Gebru and Atsede did a fantastic job. If you want a safe, personalized, and stress-free tour, look no further!
From US$92.00
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