Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge Day Trip

Overview

Available languages

English

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Explore the rich history and breathtaking landscapes on a full-day trip to Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge, located just 110 km north of Addis Ababa. This tour combines cultural insights with stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Visit the sacred Debre Libanos Monastery, marvel at the Portuguese Bridge spanning the Jemma Gorge, and keep an eye out for Gelada baboons in their natural habitat. Experience scenic drives through the highlands, with opportunities for local coffee breaks along the way.

- Full-day cultural and nature tour from Addis Ababa

- Visit the historic Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge

- Spot Gelada baboons and enjoy scenic highland drives

- Local coffee stops included to enhance your experience

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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

All entrance fees

Local guide at the site, Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Simple Ethiopian Lunch with Coffee

All not mentioned in the inclusion like personal expenses, tip for the guide and driver

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Best Western Plus Addis Ababa

Bole Medhanealem Road Addis Ababa Ethiopia

What To Expect

Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

Drive to Debre Libanos en-route visiting The Rural Part of Ethiopia. Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The monastery was founded by the renowned 13th century mystic, St Teklehaimanot.

45 minutes • Admission Included

Portuguese Bridge

we will visit the Portuguese Bridge and Jemma Gorge also Spot Gelada baboons in the wild

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge Day Trip

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

2 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Solo traveler with awesome tour guide
Sid A,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I had a great experience on this tour, mainly because of my guide our driver and guide Henok. He was happy, excited, passionate and very knowledgeable, patiently answered all my questions. The best part is that he's a great photographer. He took quality pics of me at the waterfall and mountain top. Lastly the communication from this company was very good. I was contact via WhatsApp and kept up to date on timing. I would recommend this tour.
Amazing day trip on a layover!!
lsullivaninbox,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I did the Debre Libanos day trip during a short layover in Addis Ababa, and it ended up being one of the best solo travel experiences I’ve had. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe, relaxed, and well taken care of the whole time. My guide, Birhanu, was absolutely amazing, kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about Ethiopian history and culture. He made everything feel easy and stress-free, from the drive out of the city to exploring the monastery and the surrounding gorge. The highlight for me was spending time with the gelada baboons. Seeing them so close, in their natural habitat, was surreal. They’re calm, beautiful creatures, and Birhanu knew exactly where to find them without disturbing them. It felt like a very special moment, not a rushed tourist stop. We also stopped for lunch, and the food was delicious and exactly what I needed after the bridge. It was a great way to experience local cuisine without worrying about where to go or what to order. If you’re passing through Ethiopia on a short layover, or just want a refreshing escape from the city, I highly recommend this tour. And definitely ask for Birhanu, he truly made the day memorable.