Day Trip Debre Libanos Bule Nile George and Portugal Bridge

Overview

Available languages

English

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Step into a world where history, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes come together. Just a few hours from Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos Monastery offers a soul-stirring journey into one of Ethiopia’s most revered religious sites, nestled in the stunning cliffs of the Jemma River Gorge.

Founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, Debre Libanos is more than a monastery—it’s a sanctuary of ancient faith, miraculous legends, and timeless architecture. Walk through sacred grounds, explore the intricately painted church, and feel the peaceful presence of centuries of devotion. You’ll also visit the tomb of Saint Tekle Haymanot, one of Ethiopia’s most beloved saints.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

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

Bottle of water

Entry admissions fee of Portugal Bridge

Hotel pick-up and drop off

In person guide

Ethiopian cofee

Entry admissions of Debre Libanos

Airport pick-up and drop off

Dinner

Breakfast

Alcoholic Beverages

Tips

Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Bole Airport

Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Check Inn Hotel

Mickey Leland St, Mickey Leland St. Addis Ababa Ethiopia

What To Expect

Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

For those who are looking for a day trip, this package is a great option. This one day excursion takes you to one of the oldest and most remarkable monasteries of Ethiopia. This tour incorporates outstanding views of the famous Blue Nile Gorge, often compared with Arizona’s Grand Canyon and the ancient Portuguese bridge, The monastery complex which sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Large Abbay River. Current buildings include the church over Tekle Haymanot’s tomb, which Emperor Haile Selassie ordered to be constructed in 1961, the Jemma River, and other attractions are also included in this program.

9 hours • Admission Included

Options

Day trip Debre Libanos

Duration: 9 hours
Lunch : If you are not eating Ethiopia food in small restaurants during the activity. Pls bring takeaway food with you
Vitz van car
Wear full dress in the monaste: Women must wear full dress till their knees to cover during in the monastery.
Pickup included

Reviews

4.86

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing day trip with amazing people, must go and see!
mayerg317,
May 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
From start to finish this tour was pretty amazing ! We were greeted by our guide Tamrat and his driver . Both were super nice . After we were picked up we went through the city and many villages until we reached the monastery . Tamrat talked about the city of Addis Ababa /villages. Answered any questions we had . From that little short time we learned a lot. When we reached the Monastery, we were then guided by a monk /priest who explained about the monastery and also the lil museum . Going through the village was also a feast for the eyes . After the monastery we went to the Portuguese Bridge. We saw beautiful landscapes and the gelada baboons (0nly native to Ethiopia) . Tamrat catered to our needs , whether it was to stay somewhere longer , cut part short etc. And it wasn’t just tour guide information, we shared stories, jokes etc . At the end of the tour I made a new friend Thank you
Debre Lebanos
M7469UZelizabeths,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an amazing experience with our tour guides Nebeu and Tilahun. wonderful experience! They both shared with us a strong understanding of the history, culture of Ethiopia and it was very informative!!!! The Church was so beautiful and has very rich history. The best experience came from visiting the portuguese bridge, very nice views. Also went to try out local food along the way, amazing! If you are in Ethiopia i would strongly recommend. Hope to bring my family next time!
Great day out of town!
eddierT1391FC,
Apr 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great Day out to escape the bussle of Addis following some meetings there. The team from Manos Going including guide Mig and driver Neba were great, very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Saw some great sites and landscapes, toured the market and ate some great Ethiopian cuisine. Highly recommend.
Ethiopia travel
159frederica,
Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nice guide, beautyful place, good driver, delicious food, good weather, good explain, beautyful Moment in Ethiopia, historcal of ethiopia
Very nice trip
OnAir12548051446,
Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a very nice trip. Wonderful landscape, an interesting monastery an very delicious food. Thank you for everything!
Debre Libanos, Portugal Bridge, and Caves – Long but Worthwhile Trip
Diana I,
Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
I booked this tour through GetYourGuide, but I didn’t receive any information about the meeting time until the day before the trip when I reached out. I was told to be ready by 7:30 AM. The trip was quite long and physically demanding, as we spent about 6 hours traveling back and forth. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time at the Debre Libanos Monastery, which was a bit of a disappointment. We were able to explore the monastery briefly, pray for a couple of minutes, visit the monastery museum, and then quickly head to the Portugal Bridge. The journey itself is lengthy, but seeing the monastery is definitely worth it. Our guide, Abraham, was incredibly helpful, friendly, and kind. When he heard that it was my friend's birthday, he went out of his way to organize a surprise for him. On the way back to Addis Ababa, we stopped at a café where a cake with candles was waiting for us. A truly thoughtful and sweet gesture. Thank you Abraham. As for the cost and the time spent on the trip, it felt a little expensive considering the amount of time spent traveling. The long drive made up the majority of the trip. However, looking at what we saw and experienced, we were ultimately satisfied with the tour.
A Great Day in Äthiopia
I8803NMwolfgangh,
Dec 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
IT was a fantastic Tour with Abraham A lot of Information about the Monastry. The Portoguis Bridge was a fantastic Lokation ( Building and View).. Abraham was a fantastic Guide Wolfgang