Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery worth booking?
Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery is a 9-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $120 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Get out of Addis Ababa for a day to explore nature, the dramatic jemma river gorge( Tributes of Blue Nile River), with breathtaking escarpments, cliffs, wildlife and learn more about history of Christianity. During this tour you'll visit Debre Libanos Monastery, the oldest Orthodox Christian Monastery in Ethiopia which dates back to the 13th century, enjoy scenic view of the Jemma River Gorge and walk on the Portuguese Bridge. You can expect there to see plenty of birds and geladas monkeys - a type of endemic baboon. This tour will also be a great opportunity to discover the authentic Ethiopian way of life by entering into local habitation, tasting local homemade food and drink as well as enjoying a traditional coffee ceremony.
What you get
About this experience
Get out of Addis Ababa for a day to explore nature, the dramatic jemma river gorge( Tributes of Blue Nile River), with breathtaking escarpments, cliffs, wildlife and learn more about history of Christianity. During this tour you'll visit Debre Libanos Monastery, the oldest Orthodox Christian Monastery in Ethiopia which dates back to the 13th century, enjoy scenic view of the Jemma River Gorge and walk on the Portuguese Bridge. You can expect there to see plenty of birds and geladas monkeys - a type of endemic baboon. This tour will also be a great opportunity to discover the authentic Ethiopian way of life by entering into local habitation, tasting local homemade food and drink as well as enjoying a traditional coffee ceremony.
What's included
Included
- Driver Allowance
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All Entrance Fees (Debre Libanos Monastery / Portuguese Bridge)
- Surcharges on fuel
- Guide at the sites
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- All not Mentioned on The Inclusion
What you'll see and do
Debre Libanos Orthodox Church
Debre Libanos Monastery is the largest Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity Monastery. Located 105km far from Addis Ababa (2h30 driving), Debre Libanos Monastery was originally founded in 1283 by Ethiopian Saint called Saint Tekle Haymanot who meditated in a cave for 29 years. During the tour, visit the church built by Emperor Haile Selassie I in the 1960s and the museum.
420 minutes here · Admission included
Portuguese Bridge
It is an ancient Bridge made of rock with two arches. The Bridge was built by Portuguese soldiers in the 16th century. However, some historians claim that Ras Darge actually built the Portuguese Bridge in the 19th Century. This is also a chance to have a nice view on Jemma River Gorge (a branch of Blue Nile) and to see plenty of birds and Gelada - a type of endemic baboons.
120 minutes here · Admission included
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
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Addis Authentic Tours
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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
8 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Day Trip to Debre Libanos
Great experience from start to finish. Everything was well organized, the guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and we had a fantastic opportunity to see the Gelada baboons , along with beautiful scenery and birdlife. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Dear Mark, hank you from the bottom of our hearts! We are truly grateful for your wonderful review and for taking the time to share your experience with us. It means so much to know that you had such an amazing day trip to Debre Libanos and that everything was well organized from start to finish. We’re especially happy that you enjoyed meeting the beautiful Gelada baboons, the stunning landscapes, and the incredible birdlife of the area. It is always a pleasure for us to share the history, nature, and beauty of Ethiopia with our guests. Your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal to our entire team. Guests like you inspire us to continue doing what we love and to create meaningful and unforgettable experiences for everyone who travels with us. Thank you once again for choosing to explore Debre Libanos with us. We hope to welcome you back to Ethiopia in the future for another wonderful adventure! With heartfelt gratitude, The entire team
via Tripadvisor
A must-do day trip from Addis Ababa!!
We had a fabulous day A must-do day trip from Addis! We had a fabulous day with our guide Kiru and driver Grum who created a perfect escape from the city. You’ll have to put up with the three-hour drive over bumpy roads but what you’ll see is worth it! On the way you’ll have views of Ethiopian towns and rural life as well as, on the return trip, the expanding modern city. Our first stop was the Debre Libanos Monastery founded in 1941 on a site made holy by the 18th C hermit Saint Tekle Haymanot. Our visit was during the holy days around the Assumption of St Mary and there were hundreds of pilgrims trudging up the long hill to pray. One of the monks, whom Kiru knew, gave us a tour so we learned the history of the place and visited the museum, which exhibits artifacts from the monastery’s long history. Immediately afterwards we headed to a fruit and spice market spread out under an amazing centuries-old tree, where we wandered, practiced our ‘Salaam walloo’ and bought some tea and bananas. We loved seeing this slice of Ethiopian country life. A bit further on we stopped to spend an hour with the Gelada baboons that live in the cliffs over the Blue Nile. How amazing to watch up close the interactions in the baboon families. We couldn’t believe how close we were able to observe! Then it was on to the real highlight of the day, the Blue Nile Gorge. Make sure you wear hiking shoes! We (two 70-year olds) found the rocky hike down to the Portuguese Bridge and the hike up the other side along the river to the falls challenging. But the breathtaking view of the dramatic falls when we got up to the precipice was so worth the effort. Our fatigue was rewarded afterwards with a nice cold beer and nice lunch at the home of Meseret where we enjoyed the view of the magnificent gorge and learned about Ethiopian cuisine. On the way back down we stopped at the ‘Cool Bar and Restaurant’ a roadside shanty for the traditional coffee ceremony and delicious coffee. I enthusiastically recommend this exhilarating experience and these engaging informed and fun guides. our guide Kiru and driver Grum who created a perfect escape from the city. You’ll have to put up with the three-hour drive over bumpy roads but what you’ll see is worth it! On the way you’ll have views of Ethiopian towns and rural life as well as, on the return trip, the expanding modern city. Our first stop was the Debre Libanos Monastery founded in 1941 on a site made holy by the 18th C hermit Saint Tekle Haymanot. Our visit was during the holy days around the Assumption of St Mary and there were hundreds of pilgrims trudging up the long hill to pray. One of the monks, whom Kiru knew, gave us a tour so we learned the history of the place and visited the museum, which exhibits artifacts from the monastery’s long history. Immediately afterwards we headed to a fruit and spice market spread out under an amazing centuries-old tree, where we wandered, practiced our ‘Salaam walloo’ and bought some tea and bananas. We loved seeing this slice of Ethiopian country life. A bit further on we stopped to spend an hour with the Gelada baboons that live in the cliffs over the Blue Nile. How amazing to watch up close the interactions in the baboon families. We couldn’t believe how close we were able to observe! Then it was on to the real highlight of the day, the Blue Nile Gorge. Make sure you wear hiking shoes! We (two 70-year olds) found the rocky hike down to the Portuguese Bridge and the hike up the other side along the river to the falls challenging. But the breathtaking view of the dramatic falls when we got up to the precipice was so worth the effort. Our fatigue was rewarded afterwards with a nice cold beer and nice lunch at the home of Meseret where we enjoyed the view of the magnificent gorge and learned about Ethiopian cuisine. On the way back down we stopped at the ‘Cool Bar and Restaurant’ a roadside shanty for the traditional coffee ceremony and delicious coffee. I enthusiastically recommend this exhilarating experience and these engaging informed and fun guides.
Response from the operator: Dear Kathleen, Thank you so much for this incredible and detailed review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a fabulous and memorable day with Kiru and Grum. It sounds like you truly experienced the many wonderful sides of Ethiopia , from the spiritual atmosphere of Debre Libanos and the lively local market to the fascinating Gelada baboons and the spectacular landscapes of the Blue Nile Gorge. We’re especially happy to hear that the challenging hike to the Portuguese Bridge and the falls was worth the effort and rewarded you with those breathtaking views! We also love that you enjoyed the visit to Meseret’s home, where you could relax, take in the magnificent gorge, and experience some authentic Ethiopian hospitality and cuisine. Your kind words about Kiru and Grum mean so much to us. We’ll be delighted to share your compliments with them. They’ll be very happy to know that their knowledge, good humor, and care helped make your adventure so special. Thank you again for choosing us and for enthusiastically recommending this experience. It was a real pleasure having you with us, and we hope the memories of your Ethiopian adventure stay with you for many years to come! Wishing you both many more exciting journeys and unforgettable adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Great day to see Ethophia
The guides worked with us for a pick up point from the Airbnb. We experienced the True side of Ethophia countryside. The tour was great.
Response from the operator: Dear Dawn, Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to arrange a convenient pick-up from your Airbnb and that you enjoyed experiencing the authentic side of the Ethiopian countryside. It's wonderful to know you had a great tour, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Ethiopia! Addis Authentic Tours
via Tripadvisor
A great excursion
If you want to get a glimpse into Ethiopia out of Addis Abeba this professionally organized trip is highly recommended. Everything on the itinerary was a great chance to dive into the spirituality of the Ethiopians and the stunning nature of their country. The vegetarian lunch close to Portuguese bridge was very tasty and came with an incredible view. The drive to the destinations is a good chance to see local life.
Response from the operator: Dear Michael, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey beyond Addis Ababa and found the experience both enriching and memorable. One of the goals of this tour is to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s spiritual traditions, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes, so it's wonderful to know that these aspects resonated with you. We're especially pleased that you enjoyed the vegetarian lunch near the Portuguese Bridge and the spectacular views that accompanied it. It's also great to hear that the drive itself gave you an authentic glimpse into local life and the Ethiopian countryside. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing to travel with us. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in Ethiopia in the future!
via Viator
Truly recommend!
The trip to the monastery Debre Libanos and the Portuguese Bridge is a great opportunity to see rural life of the country. This tour gave me a glimpse of the area north of Addis Abeba. Visiting the monastery with a monk as a guide is a real experience. I’ve got enough time to see everything. All my questions and requests to the guide were accepted and so no questions remained. The vegetarian meal at Portuguese Bridge came with a view and was great. Driving was save and big fun.
Response from the operator: Dear Michael, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge. It’s great to know that the tour gave you an authentic glimpse into rural Ethiopian life and the beautiful countryside north of Addis Ababa. We're especially pleased that your guide was able to answer all your questions and accommodate your requests throughout the day. Providing a personalized and informative experience is something we take great pride in. We're also glad you enjoyed the delicious vegetarian meal with its stunning views and that the journey itself was both safe and enjoyable. Thank you for choosing to explore Ethiopia with us. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $120 to $140
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Addis Authentic Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Addis Authentic Tours runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.
How much does Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery cost?
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Prices start at $120 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 Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 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 Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery?
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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 Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery?
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Around 5 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery 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 Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery?
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Included: Driver Allowance; Bottled water; Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and All Entrance Fees (Debre Libanos Monastery / Portuguese Bridge). Not included: All not Mentioned on The Inclusion. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 202 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 Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery 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 Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery?
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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 Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery 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 Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery 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.
What do travelers say about Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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