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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
272 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!
Gebru and Alem make a great team
Derrick S,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the privilege of going on this tour today accompanied by Gebru, our guide, and Alem, our driver. Alem navigated us safely over some pretty rough terrain and Gebru was a very knowledgeable guide who pointed out many things I would have missed otherwise. The vistas were spectacular and the glass art at Debre Libanos was something special to behold. A very worthwhile day outside Addis.
Great driver and tour
Jason L,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Seeing all of the beautiful landscapes along with the monastery was great! Atseheni was a great driver and very sweet.
Gebru is the best tour guide ever!
Q3842HUhelenaj,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I feel so blessed to have gone on this tour especially this one led by Gebru. He was the most amazing tour guide I have ever had while traveling. He was so knowledgeable, kind, friendly, attentive, caring, and just wonderful. I wish I could book every single tour in Ethiopia with him. He is truly a blessing and I am so grateful for him!!
Life changing experience
I4469RAjessicah,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend and I had the most amazing experience. Our guide was Gebru. This is the first time we have been to Africa since we are from Chicago. We felt safe, so welcomed and cared for. We started off with seeing the amazing views of the country side. We had the chance to feed the monkeys. After went to Debros Libanos monastery, where we learned about Ethiopian Christianity, historical figures and traditions. After we went the Portuguese bridge, ate lunch then Mount Entoto. Overall, the experience so fruitful. Our guide Debru was truly so knowledgeable about the sites and and answered all of our questions about Ethiopian history and culture. My friend and I didn’t want the tour to end because the conversation and experience was so rich. If you are visiting Addis this experience is a must!
Perfect choice for one day trip out of Addis
albertomX5633UU,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour for a one day trip out of Addis. We were very happy with the service, the programme and the sights visited. Our guide was Abiy, and he proved to be very professional and friendly, highly appreciated and recommended!
Review of day trip from Addis with MyGuzo
krish1108,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was excellent from start to finish. Gebru was an excellent guide and I rate him 5*. In fact, I have specifically requested him for a tour I an doing tomorrow.
From US$92.00
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