Recently Viewed
Ethiopian Monastery Tour: History and Nature
4.9
9 Ratings
Addis Ababa
Explore Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and the Portuguese Bridge. Discover history, wildlife, and stunning landscapes on this unforgettable Ethiopian day trip.
Explore Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and the Portuguese Bridge. Discover history, wildlife, and stunning landscapes on this unforgettable Ethiopian day trip.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Debre Libanos - This package is an excellent choice for those seeking a day trip. This one-day excursion takes visitors to one of Ethiopia’s oldest and most remarkable monasteries. The tour features breathtaking views of the renowned Blue Nile Gorge, often likened to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, and the historic Portuguese bridge. The monastery complex…
- Debre Libanos - This package is an excellent choice for those seeking a day trip. This one-day excursion takes visitors to one of Ethiopia’s oldest and most remarkable monasteries. The tour features breathtaking views of the renowned Blue Nile Gorge, often likened to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, and the historic Portuguese bridge. The monastery complex is situated on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of a tributary of the Large Abbay River. The current structures include the church over Tekle Haymanot’s tomb, commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1961. The Jemma River and other attractions are also part of this program.
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Airport pick-up and drop off
- Entry admissions fee of Portugal Bridge
- Entry admissions of Debre Libanos
- In person guide
- Ethiopian coffee
- Bottle of water
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Airport pick-up and drop off
- Entry admissions fee of Portugal Bridge
- Entry admissions of Debre Libanos
- In person guide
- Ethiopian coffee
- Bottle of water
What's Not Included
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Lunch
Additional Information
Enter a realm where history, spirituality, and awe-inspiring landscapes converge. Located just a few hours from Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos Monastery provides a profound journey into one of Ethiopia’s most esteemed religious sites, set against the magnificent cliffs of the Jemma River Gorge.
Established in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, Debre…
Enter a realm where history, spirituality, and awe-inspiring landscapes converge. Located just a few hours from Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos Monastery provides a profound journey into one of Ethiopia’s most esteemed religious sites, set against the magnificent cliffs of the Jemma River Gorge.
Established in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, Debre Libanos is not just a monastery—it is a haven of ancient faith, miraculous tales, and enduring architecture. Stroll through the sacred grounds, discover the intricately painted church, and experience the serene presence of centuries of devotion. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the tomb of Saint Tekle Haymanot, one of Ethiopia’s most cherished saints.
Location
Bole Addis Ababa International Airport
If you don't specify your location. Don't worry about it. We will pick you up form Bole international Airport in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(9 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Mattiap76
Feb 21, 2026
Beautiful experience - A wonderful day experience north of Addis Ababa. Fantastic views of the canyon, baboon and falcon sightings, and excellent local food with a view and a little hike to see the Portuguese bridge. Definitely worth repeating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D9509xqjohannak
Feb 17, 2026
A piece of my heart stayed here! ♥️ - I spent Valentine’s Day on this journey, and it was pure magic for the soul. From the second I met the sweetest guide and the best driver in all of Ethiopia, I didn’t feel like a guest—I felt like I had finally come home. We spent the long drive laughing until we cried and singing at the top of our lungs, connected by a bond that felt like we’d known each other for a lifetime.
The landscapes of Debre Libanos are breathtaking, but it’s the extraordinary warmth and hilarious energy of this team that I will carry in my heart forever. If you want a day that isn’t just seen, but felt, this is the only way to go.
Thank you for the laughter, the music, and the most beautiful welcome I’ve ever experienced!
Ameseginalehu ehite!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mayerg317
May 29, 2025
Amazing day trip with amazing people, must go and see! - From start to finish this tour was pretty amazing ! We were greeted by our guide Tamrat and his driver . Both were super nice . After we were picked up we went through the city and many villages until we reached the monastery . Tamrat talked about the city of Addis Ababa /villages. Answered any questions we had . From that little short time we learned a lot. When we reached the Monastery, we were then guided by a monk /priest who explained about the monastery and also the lil museum . Going through the village was also a feast for the eyes . After the monastery we went to the Portuguese Bridge. We saw beautiful landscapes and the gelada baboons (0nly native to Ethiopia) . Tamrat catered to our needs , whether it was to stay somewhere longer , cut part short etc. And it wasn’t just tour guide information, we shared stories, jokes etc . At the end of the tour I made a new friend
Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M7469uzelizabeths
May 11, 2025
Debre Lebanos - I had an amazing experience with our tour guides Nebeu and Tilahun. wonderful experience! They both shared with us a strong understanding of the history, culture of Ethiopia and it was very informative!!!! The Church was so beautiful and has very rich history. The best experience came from visiting the portuguese bridge, very nice views. Also went to try out local food along the way, amazing! If you are in Ethiopia i would strongly recommend. Hope to bring my family next time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eddiert1391fc
Apr 30, 2025
Great day out of town! - Great Day out to escape the bussle of Addis following some meetings there. The team from Manos Going including guide Mig and driver Neba were great, very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Saw some great sites and landscapes, toured the market and ate some great Ethiopian cuisine. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
159frederica
Mar 2, 2025
Ethiopia travel - Nice guide, beautyful place, good driver, delicious food, good weather, good explain, beautyful Moment in Ethiopia, historcal of ethiopia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair12548051446
Mar 2, 2025
Very nice trip - It was a very nice trip. Wonderful landscape, an interesting monastery an very delicious food. Thank you for everything!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I8803nmwolfgangh
Dec 25, 2024
A Great Day in Äthiopia - IT was a fantastic Tour with Abraham
A lot of Information about the Monastry.
The Portoguis Bridge was a fantastic Lokation ( Building and View)..
Abraham was a fantastic Guide
Wolfgang
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diana
Feb 17, 2025
Debre Libanos, Portugal Bridge, and Caves – Long but Worthwhile Trip - I booked this tour through GetYourGuide, but I didn’t receive any information about the meeting time until the day before the trip when I reached out.
I was told to be ready by 7:30 AM. The trip was quite long and physically demanding, as we spent about 6 hours traveling back and forth.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time at the Debre Libanos Monastery, which was a bit of a disappointment. We were able to explore the monastery briefly, pray for a couple of minutes, visit the monastery museum, and then quickly head to the Portugal Bridge.
The journey itself is lengthy, but seeing the monastery is definitely worth it. Our guide, Abraham, was incredibly helpful, friendly, and kind. When he heard that it was my friend's birthday, he went out of his way to organize a surprise for him.
On the way back to Addis Ababa, we stopped at a café where a cake with candles was waiting for us. A truly thoughtful and sweet gesture. Thank you Abraham.
As for the cost and the time spent on the trip, it felt a little expensive considering the amount of time spent traveling. The long drive made up the majority of the trip. However, looking at what we saw and experienced, we were ultimately satisfied with the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
