Monastic Marvels Exploring the beauty of Debre Libanos Monastery
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Depart Addis Ababa at 07:30 AM. At slightly over 100 km from Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos is one of the best day trips from the Ethiopian capital. The church is monumental and pretty awful on the outside, but the stained-glass windows are attractive. Debre Libanos has one of the most interesting church museums in Ethiopia. Besides the usual ecclesiastical items, there are Italian guns, giant cooking pots, crowns of past emperors and their wives, musical instruments, and old wooden shackles. Fifteen minutes up the hills from the monastery is the cave of Tekla Haimanot, the monastery founder, where the saint is said to have done all his praying. It is also the source of Debre Libanos' famed holy water.
Finally, we will take you to the Portuguese Bridge located at the Blue Nile Gorge, where you can admire the stunning landscapes and observe the unique Ethiopian endemic baboons known as Chelada Baboons. You'll also have the opportunity to spot various Ethiopian birds.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Debre Libanos Orthodox Church
Depart Addis Ababa at 07:30 AM. At slightly over 100 km from Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos is one of the best day trips from the Ethiopian capital. The church is monumental and pretty awful on the outside, but the stained-glass windows are attractive. Debre Libanos has one of the most interesting church museums in Ethiopia. Besides the usual ecclesiastical items, there are Italian guns, giant cooking pots, crowns of past emperors and their wives, musical instruments, and old wooden shackles. Fifteen minutes up the hills from the monastery is the cave of Tekla Haimanot, the monastery founder, where the saint is said to have done all his praying. It is also the source of Debre Libanos' famed holy water.
Portuguese Bridge
Finally, we will take you to the Portuguese Bridge located at the Blue Nile Gorge, where you can admire the stunning landscapes and observe the unique Ethiopian endemic baboons known as Chelada Baboons. You'll also have the opportunity to spot various Ethiopian birds.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
All Entrance fee
Lunch ( Local food)
Local guide
Hotel pick-up and drop off.
Bottles of water
Coffee or Tea
Government tax
personal expense like, shopping any alcoholic Drink
Tips
Pickup points
Bole Airport
Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Daamat Hotel
Namibia Street, Before Edna Mall Roundabout Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Options
Monastic Marvels Exploring the beauty of Debre Libanos Monastery
Pickup included
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Visit Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge
nelsondJ226MZ,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great visit of Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge with the Ethio Top Land Tour on 19 September 2025. The visit includes the Monastery of Debre Libanos, a stopover for Geladas Baboon, and visit of the portuguese bridge and the waterfall.
It was a great experience to do; the tour guide was very knowledgeable and experienced in every topic
Angie l,Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pleasant tour to the countryside of Ethiopia Definitely a must do for a first timers here in Ethiopia The tour was super good
A Great Day Trip Outside Addis
SHARON M,Feb 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you have an extra day in Addis and would like to get out of town, this is a great day trip to visit a historic monastery and take a short hike to visit the picturesque Portuguese Bridge. Ethio Top Land Tours did an excellent job – the guide Lamesgn and driver were both very professional, knowledgeable, and pleasant to be around. A delicious traditional Ethiopian lunch was included as well. And the price they offered for this tour was much more economical than other providers I looked at (for the exact same itinerary). All in all I would definitely recommend this provider and this day tour.
A Great Day Trip Near Addis
SharonM342,Feb 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you have an extra day in Addis and would like to get out of town, this is a great day trip to visit a historic monastery and take a short hike to visit the picturesque Portuguese Bridge. Ethio Top Land Tours did an excellent job – the guide Lamesgn and driver were both very professional, knowledgeable, and pleasant to be around. A nice traditional Ethiopian lunch was included as well. And the price they offered for this tour was MUCH more economical than other providers I looked at (for the exact same itinerary!). All in all I would definitely recommend this provider and this day tour.
From US$140.00
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Operated by Ethio Top Land Tours