Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Libanos & Blue Nile Gorge
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This Tour Is Unique Because
-You will have a chance of learning about the history of Ethiopia
-You will have a chance of seeing the Ethiopian Endemic baboons called Chilada
-You will have a chance of seeing some endemic birds only found in Ethiopia and specifically in Debre Libanos
-You will have a chance of testing Ethiopian Foods
-You will have a chance of hiking near to the George of Blue Nile & Jemma Valley
-You will have a chance of visiting one of the oldest monastery of Ethiopia and its museums
-You will have a chance of experiencing the local hut or grass houses of the countryside
-You will have a chance of seeing the fabulous waterfalls at the Portuguese bridge(which is one of the oldest bridge in Ethiopia built by the Portugal people)
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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‘s Included
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Ethiopian Lunch For Vegan & Veterinarian
Coffee and/or Tea
Alcoholic Beverage
Services which are not mentioned on the inclusion section
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Debre Libanos Orthodox Church
Its one of the ancient and historical monastery in Ethiopia,Which is lying on northwest of Addis Ababa. The monastery was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, according to tradition; he meditated in a cave for 29 years. The monastery's chief abbot, called the Ichege, was the second most powerful official in the Ethiopian Church after the Abuna. The monastery complex sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Abbay River. None of the original buildings of Debre Libanos survive, although David Buxton suspected "there are interesting things still to be found among the neighboring cliffs." Current buildings include the church over Tekle Haymanot's tomb, which Emperor Haile Selassie ordered constructed in 1961; a slightly older Church of the Cross, where Buxton was told a fragment of the True Cross is preserved; and five religious schools. The cave where the saint lived is in the nearby cliffs, which one travel guide describes as a five-minute walk away. This cave contains a spring, whose water is considered holy and is the object of pilgrimages.
Portuguese Bridge
Portuguese bridge near Debre Libanos was erected by the Portuguese in the 16th century; it was actually built at the turn of the 19th century by Ethiopians, albeit in the old Portuguese style. The narrow span makes a pretty picture and the gushing (in the rainy season) cascade just below it is even more impressive
Options
Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Libanos & Blue Nile Gorge
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Alex was a really good...
Juana G,
Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex was a really good guide tour. We went to all the places described and he also took me to other places that I wanted to see or stopped where I want it to stop. I really recommend this tour with Alex
Getting a small taste of Ethiopia.
J5809AMmariannar,
Dec 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went with my husband for a day trip from Addis Ababa and we love it. It is the best option if you are spending small amount of time in Addis Ababa. We would like to thank the tour guide Belete Abrham who was incredible knowledgeable, brilliant and experienced. Not forget to mention our really good driver Mussie, caution, alert and familiar with the roads. We also had a delicious typical lunch in a cozy and pretty restaurant. On the road with stop multiple times and we had the opportunity to interact with locals making the day more unforgettable.
An unforgetable and uplifting experience
Michael M,
Jun 20, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The driver was wonderful-even bought me dinner and refused to accept my share. The sights were great too.
BAD TOUR
786angelal,
Jun 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00my husband booked this tour for me in Adisababa Ethiopia, because he didn’t want me just sitting around a hotel. First of all the tour did not show up. I waited in front of the hotel for one hour finally went back up to the room to search for a contact number. Viator does not print local contact numbers on their payment receipt so I had to dig in search, dig and search. One hour later I finally came across a local number. Two hours now has gone by from a pick up time. While speaking with the local representative I had invoked a refund option on this tour. He says he got that email and he wanted or suddenly demanded that I pay him in US dollars when he comes to pick me up I protestant and told him I wasn’t paying a one cent more to him. He did, however, finally show up and picked me up , we went out of town to next town where he handed me off to a driver who was actually going to do the tour. That’s when I realized that I was the only person on this tour I am a small female from US in middle of Africa, being handed off to a strange man. This made me really uneasy. the only good thing about this tour is that the driver who actually did a tour was a super nice man he did the best he could with a last minute notice. I gave him a hefty tip. I do NOT recommend Viator for any African tours. Buyerbe aware, especially if you’re a woman.
What a memorable day!
leilah H,
Jun 1, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00What an awesome day! Becki was a great guide and we loved the Ethiopian countryside and highlands. The food was delicious too! We were so happy with this tour!!!!
Super day in the Ethiopian countryside
Leilah Hillman,
Jun 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day with Becki! The Ethiopian countryside was so beautiful and we saw the gelada baboons! The Blue Nile and gorge were absolutely fantastic!
No experience, waiting until now and the operator does not appears.
danilocX6281LX,
Feb 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The tour operator does not shows up!!! I have called to the company before finish the booking here to confirm if it was possible to make the tour in the day after, the company owner have confirmed by phone, I proceed the booking and he stop to respond my calls and message, do not show in the hotel and to request a refund from this site you must call to USA! Its a tourist trap, do not book with this company nor from this site!
Great day at Debre Libanos.
lorans884,
Mar 16, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day trip to the Debre Libanos Monastery, the place has so much history, and we drive to the Portuguese bridge and Blue Nile gorge and it was so beautiful, we really enjoyed the view so much.
Perfect one day trip from Addis
Hanka S,
Feb 1, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can absolutely recommend owner Alex and guide Belete Abrham. Communication about the trip was smooth, execution and organization flawless. I was picked up in a guest house in Addis and we proceeded to the oldest monastery of Ethiopia Debre Libanos and its museums. On the way there we watched baboons called Chilada in the forest close enough to take photos. Then we proceeded to a habesha restaurant which is close to the Portuguese bridge (which is one of the oldest bridges in Ethiopia) and first did a bit of hiking near to the George of Blue Nile & Jemma Valley to enjoy some breathtaking views before lunch. These guys are professional, communicate well and I can only recommend this one day trip.
From US$166.00
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Operated by Simien Image Ethiopian Tour and Travel Company