Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge

Outty Ranking 65 4.7 · 11 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $95
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge worth booking?

Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge is a 6-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $95 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (11)
Duration
6 hours
From
$95 per person

Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, the monastery there was founded by the renowned 13th century mystic, Saint Teclehaimanot and there is a small cave near the church (which is of recent construction) where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other wasted away and dropped off. On arrival at Debre Libanos, we will first stop at the Jemma gorge. The Jemma River is one of the tributaries of the Nile, and there is a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below. Here at the gorge (and in the forest around the church) we can expect to see the Banded Barbet, the Black-headed Forest Oriole, the White-billed Starling, the Red-billed Starling, the White-winged Cliff Chat, the White-backed Black Tit, the White-cheeked Turaco and Hemprich’s Hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding-heart baboon.

What you get

    About this experience

    Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, the monastery there was founded by the renowned 13th century mystic, Saint Teclehaimanot and there is a small cave near the church (which is of recent construction) where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other wasted away and dropped off. On arrival at Debre Libanos, we will first stop at the Jemma gorge. The Jemma River is one of the tributaries of the Nile, and there is a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below. Here at the gorge (and in the forest around the church) we can expect to see the Banded Barbet, the Black-headed Forest Oriole, the White-billed Starling, the Red-billed Starling, the White-winged Cliff Chat, the White-backed Black Tit, the White-cheeked Turaco and Hemprich’s Hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding-heart baboon.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • pick up and drop off
    • water
    • the service of local guide

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Addis Ababa

    Our car will have sticker Liyu Ethiopia Tours.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Our car will have sticker Liyu Ethiopia Tours.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Liyu Ethiopia Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Chelada Baboon at Jamma gorge, Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge in Addis AbabaDebre Libanos and Portuguese bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 3Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 4Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 5Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 6Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    11 verified traveler reviews for Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    8
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    lisamJ1748EG · April 2026

    Great day trip!

    This was a great day trip! I enjoy road trips as I think it’s a nice way to see other parts of the country that you otherwise wouldn’t see. I loved seeing the landscapes, and Debre Libanos monastery was beautiful. The views from the Portuguese bridge are also incredible. The tibs we had at lunch were some of the best I had all trip!

    Response from the operator: Dear Valued Guest, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We truly appreciate your kind words and your support. It was our great pleasure to host you in Ethiopia, and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey with us. Your feedback means a lot to our team and motivates us to continue delivering the best possible service to all our guests. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future for another memorable experience. Warm regards, Liyu Ethiopia Tours Team

    via Tripadvisor

    nataliemP7697SZ · April 2026

    Great food great people

    Abe and Abi were wonderful and informative guides. We had the best time and it was great to see outside the city. Beautiful food beautiful people. We would highly recommend!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Liyu Ethiopia Tours! We’re truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us and that our team made your journey memorable. Your kind words mean a lot to us — they inspire our guides, drivers, and staff to continue delivering the highest level of service and authentic Ethiopian hospitality. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another adventure — whether to explore new regions or revisit your favorite places in Ethiopia!

    via Tripadvisor

    Katja-St · April 2026

    Amazing tour!

    Thank you for the fantastic and informative tour of the monastery and the Portuguese Bridge! Everything went perfectly; Olinol is incredibly knowledgeable and was able to answer every question! We even got to see the monkeys up close! Highly recommended.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Liyu Ethiopia Tours! We’re truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us and that our team made your journey memorable. Your kind words mean a lot to us — they inspire our guides, drivers, and staff to continue delivering the highest level of service and authentic Ethiopian hospitality. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another adventure — whether to explore new regions or revisit your favorite places in Ethiopia!

    via Tripadvisor

    Companion13929325642 · July 2025

    Perfect tour

    Very informative guide, everything was perfectly planned. Amazing tour where you could see the monastery, bridge and life of province.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are truly pleased to know that your experience with Liyu Ethiopia Tours was a positive one. It was a pleasure to assist with your travel arrangements, and we are delighted that our services met your expectations. Your kind words are greatly appreciated and serve as a strong motivation for our entire team to continue delivering high-quality, personalized experiences. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you again in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    yuchial2024 · May 2024

    Debre Robano and Portualgese Bridge

    The tour is incredible, the experiened and knowledgeable guide gave me all what I expected to see, red heart monkey in entoto mont. , rspectavulat Debre Ribano Church, Portugese Bridge.. Liyu Tour offer the best quality in reaonable price, if I visit Ethiopia again, Liyu will be my only choice.

    Response from the operator: Dear Traveler Thank you for reviewing. We have always felt that meeting our customers' expectations is our first goal, and if we can deliver customer service similar to what you have experienced and expressed, we are on the right route. Thank you again for your time! We look forward to the chance to welcome you on your future trip to Ethiopia, and we thank you again for your excellent feedback!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $95 to $140
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Liyu Ethiopia Tours, who run 19 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.3.

    See everything Liyu Ethiopia Tours runs

    Why this scores 65

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)46
    Booking momentum (14% weight)37
    Value for money (12% weight)50
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)42
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.

    How much does Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge cost?

    +

    Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Addis Ababa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Addis Ababa is not rushed.

    Is Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Addis Ababa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge?

    +

    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Addis Ababa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Addis Ababa and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Addis Ababa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Addis Ababa?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Addis Ababa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour, Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up, Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Addis Ababa?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; pick up and drop off; and water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 24 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge?

    +

    Across 11 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge.

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