• Debre Libanos - This is one of Ethiopia’s ancient and historical monasteries, located northwest of Addis Ababa. Tradition holds that the monastery was established in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, who is said to have meditated in a cave for 29 years.

The monastery complex is situated on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of a tributary of the Abbay River. Although none of the original structures of Debre Libanos remain, David Buxton speculated that “there are interesting things still to be found among the neighboring cliffs.” The current buildings include the church over Tekle Haymanot’s tomb, commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1961; a slightly older Church of the Cross, where Buxton was informed a fragment of the True Cross is kept; and five religious schools.

• Portuguese Bridge - The Portuguese Bridge near Debre Libanos, originally thought to be built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, was actually constructed at the turn of the 19th century by Ethiopians in the traditional Portuguese style. The narrow span creates a picturesque scene, and the waterfall below it, especially during the rainy season, is even more striking.
• Portuguese Bridge - The Jemma River flows into a large gorge near Debre Libanos and Fiche. The Jemma joins the Wenchit before reaching the Abbay (Blue Nile) River. The Jemma Valley and its surroundings are renowned for bird-watching tours. Bird watchers primarily seek the endemic and range-restricted Harwood’s Francolin, along with other species such as the Banded Barbet, Black-headed Forest Oriole, White-billed Starling, Red-billed Starling, White-winged Cliff Chat, White-backed Black Tit, White-cheeked Turaco, and Hemprich’s Hornbill. Visitors may also encounter one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding heart baboon. In the gorge, a variety of vultures can be observed, including Lamergeyer’s, Ruppell’s, and Lappet-faced vultures.

• Tea and coffee provided
• Complimentary bottled water
• All attractions fees included
• Lunch included

• Dinner and hotel
• Any Alcoholic Drinks

What Sets This Tour Apart:

• Opportunity to delve into Ethiopia’s historical background
• Chance to spot the native Ethiopian baboons, known as Chilada
• Opportunity to observe rare bird species endemic only to Ethiopia, especially in Debre Libanos
• Opportunity to savor authentic Ethiopian cuisine
• Chance to enjoy hiking near the beautiful Blue Nile Gorge & Jemma Valley
• Visit to one of Ethiopia’s most ancient monasteries and its museums
• Experience traditional rural life by visiting local grass huts found in the countryside
• Enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls at the Portuguese bridge, which is among the oldest bridges in Ethiopia, built by Portuguese explorers
• Minimum age is 6
• Dress code is formal

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.