Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge

Outty Ranking 76 4.9 · 18 traveler reviews32 hoursFrom $150
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Outty Ranking

76/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge worth booking?

Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge is a 32-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $150 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
76 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (18)
Duration
32 hours
From
$150 per person

A scenic drive to visit the Debre Libanos monastery, founded in the thirteenth century. Take a tour of the Debre Libanos church and take a short hike to the cave where St. Tekle Haymanot is said to have prayed for 29 years. See the amazing view of the Abay (Blue Nile) Gorge, see the rushing waterfalls, visit the Portuguese Bridge and see the Gelada baboons. - You will drive about 110 km to Debre Libanos. - You will start a tour of the church and the museum. - You will then take a short hike up to the cave church where St. Tekle Haymanot is said to have prayed for 29 years. - Then you will drive to a location where you will have an impressive view of the Abay (Blue Nile) Gorge and take a short hike down to the Portuguese Bridge, the waterfall, and the home of the Gelada baboons. -There is a restaurant near the bridge where you can have lunch . You will return to Addis in the late afternoon.

What you get

    About this experience

    A scenic drive to visit the Debre Libanos monastery, founded in the thirteenth century. Take a tour of the Debre Libanos church and take a short hike to the cave where St. Tekle Haymanot is said to have prayed for 29 years. See the amazing view of the Abay (Blue Nile) Gorge, see the rushing waterfalls, visit the Portuguese Bridge and see the Gelada baboons. - You will drive about 110 km to Debre Libanos. - You will start a tour of the church and the museum. - You will then take a short hike up to the cave church where St. Tekle Haymanot is said to have prayed for 29 years. - Then you will drive to a location where you will have an impressive view of the Abay (Blue Nile) Gorge and take a short hike down to the Portuguese Bridge, the waterfall, and the home of the Gelada baboons. -There is a restaurant near the bridge where you can have lunch . You will return to Addis in the late afternoon.

    What's included

    Included

    • Carbonated beverages
    • Bottled water
    • English speaking guide
    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Tea and coffee

    Not included

    • Video camera

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

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

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 2Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 3Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 4Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 5Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 6Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge in Addis Ababa, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 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.

    Food and drink

    5 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    18 verified traveler reviews for Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    17
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    faithk285 · October 2026

    Exceptional care and an unforgettable experience in Addis Ababa!

    Beki and the East Africa Tour Operator team provided outstanding service for my elderly mother and her friend during their recent trip to Addis Ababa. From the very beginning, Beki took the time to beautifully explain the local culture and history. They truly went above and beyond by sharing lunch with them and helping them navigate their shopping trips. As a family, we were incredibly grateful for the peace of mind Beki and the driver provided. They were exceptionally kind, patient, and accommodating, keeping us constantly updated throughout the journey. My mother absolutely loved her adventure! I highly recommend Beki and his team to anyone traveling to Ethiopia. Bravo, Beki, and shukran!

    via Tripadvisor

    ivanj413 · January 2024

    Exciting experience

    Beki - very engaged and responsible guide. The car was clean , driving safe. Friendly atmosphere in Debre Libanos. Recommend to everyone!

    Response from the operator: We really appreciate your nice review and recommendations and very glad to hear you have enjoyed your time with our guide. we are looking forward to serve you again in another adventure kind regards, East Africa tour operator

    via Tripadvisor

    kerstinkT1096UP · October 2023

    Amazing day! I loves it!!!

    This was a great experiance! I enjoyed it very much. Alex (guide) is great. He knows all about the history, the animals and plants of Ethiopia. He shows his books when he explains (for me it was easier to undestand). Nebyou (driver) is a great photographer. I gave him my phone during the tour. He made the best pictures I ever had. A very good team, I will miss them. 😀 I will book more tours with them and this company.

    Response from the operator: We thank you very much for your nice review. We are glad to know you have enjoyed the tour with our guide Alex and the driver Nebyou. We hope to serve you with another trips in the future. Thank you. Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator

    via Tripadvisor

    Nagykanizsa · October 2023

    No one else but Beki !

    We had an exceptional day organized by Beki. This was our second tour with him and just with the first one, he went above and beyond to make our day another cultural experience. However, he was not able to guide the tour, Beki arranged one of his friends to chaperone us. The landscape we drive through, the hospitality of the monk at the monastery , his knowledge and willingness to share it with us, the history of the bridge, the stunning waterfall, the great lunch in the nature- left us saying-IT WAS A GREAT DAY with a lot of new impression, learning and experience. If a13 y.o. says- we saw beautiful things today -, you know you made the right decision to go with Beki !

    Response from the operator: We thank you very much for your nice review. We are glad to know you have enjoyed the tour with our guide Beki. We hope to serve you with another trips in the future. Thank you. Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator

    via Tripadvisor

    Baba789 · September 2023

    Professional and caring

    Beki is very professional and caring. He makes sure everything is taken care of and you can fully enjoy your experience. We had a great time with our family. Thank you

    Response from the operator: We thank you very much for your nice review. We are glad to know you have enjoyed the tour with our guide Beki. We hope to serve you with another trips in the future. Thank you. Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    32 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $150 to $160
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by East Africa Tour Operator, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.2.

    See everything East Africa Tour Operator runs

    Why this scores 76

    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)54
    Booking momentum (14% weight)44
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge cost?

    +

    Prices start at $150 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 Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge take?

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    Plan for about 32 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 Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 18 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 Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge?

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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 Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 32-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge?

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    Around 6 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 32-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge 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?

    +

    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?

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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 Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge?

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    Included: Carbonated beverages; Bottled water; English speaking guide; Lunch; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Video camera. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 24 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 Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge offered in?

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    It is offered in German, 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 Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge?

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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.

    Is Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge if the weather is bad?

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    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 Escape From Addis - Day Trip To Debre Libanos And The Portuguese Bridge?

    +

    Across 18 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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