Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge

Overview

Available languages

German

English

Italian

French

Spanish

Mobile ticket

Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, the monastery there was founded by the renowned 13th century mystic, Saint Teclehaimanot and there is a small cave near the church (which is of recent construction) where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other wasted away and dropped off.

On arrival at Debre Libanos, we will first stop at the Jemma gorge. The Jemma River is one of the tributaries of the Nile, and there is a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below. Here at the gorge (and in the forest around the church) we can expect to see the Banded Barbet, the Black-headed Forest Oriole, the White-billed Starling, the Red-billed Starling, the White-winged Cliff Chat, the White-backed Black Tit, the White-cheeked Turaco and Hemprich’s Hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding-heart baboon.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

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 travelers with spinal injuries

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

Private transportation

pick up and drop off

water

Lunch

All Fees and Taxes

the service of local guide

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Addis Regency Hotel

K. 03/19 H. no 504, St. George Roundabout Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Harmony Hotel

Cameroon Street, Near Edna Mall Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa

Kazanchis Business District, Kirkos Subcity 17/18 Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Bole Airport

Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Jupiter International Hotel Cazanchise

Tito Street, Cazanchise, Kirkos Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Hilton Addis Ababa

Menelik II Avenue, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

addis ababa

What To Expect

Once when you book the trip we will pick you from your place any part of the city to identify our guide will will give you the guide name and his /her phone number.

Options

Debre Libanos

Pickup included

Reviews

4.75

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Perfect tour
Companion13929325642,
Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very informative guide, everything was perfectly planned. Amazing tour where you could see the monastery, bridge and life of province.
Debre Robano and Portualgese Bridge
yuchial2024,
May 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour is incredible, the experiened and knowledgeable guide gave me all what I expected to see, red heart monkey in entoto mont. , rspectavulat Debre Ribano Church, Portugese Bridge.. Liyu Tour offer the best quality in reaonable price, if I visit Ethiopia again, Liyu will be my only choice.
First time to explore Ethiopia ..
BSetyawan234,
May 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesome to know the evolution of nature and history by having a good tour guides to tell about beautiful Ethiopia and communities.
The definition of experiencing!
Onuris01,
Feb 15, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I made it to Addis Ababa with ni real plans in mind, just some ideas pulled from a guide recommended to me by a friend. So, when I sat and talked to Yhun, I didn't really expect much. Well, I can say I'm in love with Ethiopia because of Yhun. This man knows his country with masterful expertise. He went out of way to ensure we weren't just seeing the city or a church, but to really understand wear the country came from and how it is growing. He took us on expected and beautiful side stops that nearly brought tears of joy to my eyes. Yhun is incredible and everyone needs to seek him when coming to Addis Ababa.
Great Experiance with Liyu Tours
anaghaShah,
Feb 12, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
we were group of 24 pax, went to Addis & around for Cultural Tour for 5 days, we booked all tours, transport & hotels with Liyu tours. It was amazing experience. Liyu tours has a very professional staff and we didn't had a single bad experience. we went for a Addis City tour including Museums, Visited Adadi Mariam, Debre Libanos, also visited Langano & Ziway lakes ….all excursions were smooth run. Stayed in Addis Regency hotel which was excellent value for money hotel. we definitely recommend Liyu tours for all who intend to visit Ethiopia.
Breathtaking
marktO233JB,
Jan 3, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you choose to visit the monastery at Debre Libanos and then go up to the Portuguese Bridge and the breathtaking views of the Blue Nile Gorge (which you must do to fully experience Ethiopia), Liyu is the company to choose. Our guide, Jimmy, was knowledgable and flexible. He gave us time to fully explore all we wanted to see while also making sure we hit the best spots. I cannot recommend Liyu Ethiopian tours enough. Our family cannot wait to return to Ethiopia and use Liyu for longer tours to the Rift Valley and Axum.
Very good option to leave the city for the day
ines0510,
Oct 18, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
as soon as I contacted them Yhun was very attentive and answered without delay to each of my queries, I had a guide that had a very good level of English, which made communication very easy, he knew the area very well, the vehicle was in excellent condition, the route is worth it!
Excellent!
condo08003,
Sep 10, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very reliable agency. Other travelers cancelled and they made a private tour for me. Excellent communication. Great professional guide. Trip was amazing. Loved it! Recommended!

From US$130.00