Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley

Outty Ranking 59 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $158
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley worth booking?

Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley is a 10-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $158 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
10 hours
From
$158 per person

We will visit one of the most important sites in the history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Admire stunning views of the Gur River from the Portuguese Bridge, as it plunges into a waterfall hundreds of meters high. You will also see a cave where Gelada baboons sleep at night. Look out for the endemic birds including banded barbet, Abyssinian woodpecker, Ruppell's black chat and white-winged cliff chat. Then, descend to the Blue Nile gorge, often compared to the Grand Canyon and cited as "the largest canyon in Africa."

What you get

    About this experience

    We will visit one of the most important sites in the history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Admire stunning views of the Gur River from the Portuguese Bridge, as it plunges into a waterfall hundreds of meters high. You will also see a cave where Gelada baboons sleep at night. Look out for the endemic birds including banded barbet, Abyssinian woodpecker, Ruppell's black chat and white-winged cliff chat. Then, descend to the Blue Nile gorge, often compared to the Grand Canyon and cited as "the largest canyon in Africa."

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Lunch

    Not included

    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

      Founded in 1284 by Abuna Tekle Haymanot, Debre Libanos Monastery served as the centre of the Ethiopian Church for almost 500 years. Today, the site has a calm, tranquil feel, situated amongst pleasant woodland and streams, but in 1937 this was the site of one of the worst atrocities of the Italian occupation. Fascist troops attacked and destroyed the monastery, killing 297 monks, more than 100 deacons and at least 400 lay people. Although a new church was constructed on the site in the 1950s, it never regained the same status it previously held as a centre of religious learning. It does, however, remain an important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians, who come to pay homage to the bones of the massacred monks.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Portuguese Bridge

      There is controversy about the origins of the so-called Portuguese Bridge. According to some, it was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, but others say that it was built by Ras Darge (Emperor Menelik II’s uncle) in the 19th century. After crossing the Portuguese Bridge, walk a short way along the side of the river until and you'll reach a large rock from where you can see a magnificent 600m waterfall. The waterfall is at its most impressive during the rainy season (July-September). You may also see endemic Galada Baboons here.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Addis Ababa

    Customers can meet us at our office which is within the compound of the Taitu Hotel, or we can pick up customers from any hotel within 6km of the Taitu Hotel.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Customers can meet us at our office which is within the compound of the Taitu Hotel, or we can pick up customers from any hotel within 6km of the Taitu Hotel.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Venture Ethiopia

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Enjoying traditional Ethiopian food, Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley in Addis AbabaPortuguese Bridge, Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley in Addis AbabaInside the church at Debre Libanos, Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley in Addis AbabaAt Debre Libanos monastery, Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley in Addis AbabaTravelling in style, Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley in Addis Ababa

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    Maria R · April 2024

    Amazing!!!

    Biruk, our guide in Ethiopia, was an absolute gem. From the moment we met him, he exuded warmth and hospitality. His extensive knowledge of Ethiopia, coupled with his unwavering patience and kindness, made our journey unforgettable. Biruk went above and beyond to ensure our safety and comfort at every turn. No problem was too big for him to tackle, and his quick thinking always found a solution. Trustworthy and reliable, Biruk deserves all the praise for his exceptional service. His passion for his country shines through in every interaction, making him the ideal guide for anyone exploring Ethiopia. He truly is a master of his craft, and I couldn't recommend him highly enough. We decided to spend 6 days with Biruk on 3 different trips and all of them were amazing.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your generous praise and wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your experience

    via Tripadvisor

    andrearH9185RL · October 2021

    Wonderful experience Oct 2021

    It was a great experience and a personalized way to see a part of Ethiopia! The trip was well organized and Biruk was on time, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. If going to the monastery, it may be wise to bring a skirt for women as the rules for entry are conservative. It was a wonderful way to learn about Ethiopia and see incredible sights.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $158 to $223
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Venture Ethiopia, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.7.

    See everything Venture Ethiopia runs

    Why this scores 59

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)20
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)50
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley cost?

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    Prices start at $158 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 Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley take?

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    Plan for about 10 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 Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley?

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    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 Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley?

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    Around 1 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?

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    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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley start and how do I get there?

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    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?

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    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?

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    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?

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    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?

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    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 Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley?

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    Included: Private transportation; and Lunch. Not included: Alcoholic beverages; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 123 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley offered in?

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    It is offered in English and French. 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 Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley?

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    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.

    What happens to Discover Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge and Jimma Valley if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Addis Ababa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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