Same-day adventure of Debre Libanos & Jema Gorge excursions

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

This tour is combination of nature, culture and religious activities where guests are allowed to improvise the program based on their interests.

It includes amazing drive through the scenery of the countryside north of Addis Ababa, where several stops are allowed to have photographing time. The tour is an ideal escape from the busy Addis Ababa and spend a day wandering the nature and wildlife.

Visit the monastery which is always active for public and offers a nice museum where you ancient manuscripts and antiques are displayed. It offers an average hiking time that suits everybody involved. A day in this natural attraction is always a day well spent.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Ramada by Wyndham Addis Ababa

Block #14, Africa Avenue, Bole Sub City Woreda 3 Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa

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

Bole Airport

Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Golden Tulip Addis Ababa Hotel

Cameroon Street, Bole Addis Ababa Ethiopia

What To Expect

Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

This is one of the oldest monastery in Ethiopia established on the 14th century and is currently the most religious place nearby Addis Ababa. It's full of pilgrims from all around Ethiopia seeking cure from the challenges they are face. The church is full of amazing stair-glass paintings narrating stories from the Old and New Testaments. Guests can hike for about 20 Minutes to the holy water cave to see how the faithfuls treat themselves.

1 hour 10 minutes • Admission Included

Portuguese Bridge

The 16 century bridge is situated on a very nice cliff facing the Jemma River Gorge and offers spectacular views and the rocks below it houses the endemic Ethiopian Baboons. During rainy season ( June - September), the waterfall is breathtaking.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Same-day adventure of Debre Libanos & Jema Gorge excursions

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Unforgettable experience
jeremyl1234,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had an amazing day with Gashaw exploring beautiful Oromia. The landscape transforms into lush and green as soon as you leave Addis. The monastery is unique to visit and the views of the gorge are breathtaking. The baboons and waterfall are the cherry on top, and we got to experience some festivities in the towns on the way home. This is a great experience and you will learn a lot about Ethiopia with a friendly and knowledgeable guide!
Stunningly Beautiful Countryside
peterpB8021EZ,
Oct 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
OK so the drive to get there was almost as amazing as the destination. You’ll see how people live in the city, the small villages and the countryside. Driving through the rural areas was breathtaking. Saw baboons on the way. Got great photos. The monastery was beautiful. The views over the gorge, at the bridge and the waterfall are amazing. Lunch was delicious traditional Ethiopian meal. Huge portions too. This is a great way to see many aspects of Ethiopia.
Great daytrip outside the city with courteous and knowledgeable guide! Very different from Addis!
JeanH K,
Nov 2, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
We were picked up at our hotel at 7 AM by our courteous and knowledgeable guide, Alex. The drive to the sites took about 2 hours from Addis Ababa through the countryside of Ethiopia where we stopped for photos of the magnificent views and to observe the wild baboons along the road side. In Debre Libanos we were given an informative tour of the church then drove the Portuguese Bridge area for Ethiopian lunch outdoors with an expansive view of the valley. We had to return to Addis for a 4PM food tour and our guide made sure that we arrived in time (despite the massive traffic). Alex, our guide is superb. Our group consisted of 3 people (2 from HKG and 1 from the US) and drive was very comfortable despite the road conditions. Highly recommend this tour but give yourself at least 8 hours in case of traffic.
Perfect time
lolamD6351IF,
Nov 14, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Although the weather was not good that day (we were in the middle of the rainy season...), Gashaw managed to turn that day into a wonderful one. I definitely recommend him for visiting Addis Ababa or Debre Libanos (or anything else?). Bet’am ameseginalehu !
perfect !
648fredericb,
Nov 4, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
good guide .good reactivity .easy discussion .flexible .nice Journey .hi recommend highly sisay .i will use aspire again in my next trip .travelling often in ethiopia since years .
Perfect day trip outside Addis
Tomas V,
Oct 7, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ghasaw is an excellent guide, he is very knowledgeable about the area and he's able to adapt the proposed tour to you expectations. The tour was the perfect day trip out of Addis. The monastery is an interesting place to visit. Situated in a beautiful location. And we were able to see a Troup of Baboon's on the way which was the cherry on top of the cake. The drive out gave nice views on the more traditional Ethiopian live as we passed through several villages. The Portugese bridge and the waterfall offered a spectacular view on the river valley. We did a 1 hour hike to see the waterfall and take in the views. We didn't have the time but Ghasaw indicated it was perfectly possible to hike for a longer distance. The hike we did is not that hard and the views well worth the effort. Ghasaw is also an excellent driver and made us feel very safe while driving to the monastery and the bridge. I would recommend this tour and this guide to anyone looking for a nice day in the nature outside the city. We had a really good time!
Great guide
N4978LYruthp,
Oct 7, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Today we went to Debre Libanos and the Portuguese bridge with Gashaw. We had a lovely trip! Gashaw is easy to communicate, has great driving skills and knows a lot about the local area and Ethiopia in general. We highly recommend!