Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour

On this popular road trip, you will pass through beautiful countryside scenery and the real Ethiopian way of life in action - farmers, rural communities, towns cut off from each other. At the destinations, you will visit the ancient Debre Libanos Monastery (and its cave church), the famed ‘Portuguese Bridge’ built in the 1890s, the Nile Gorge with its abundant endemic birdlife and gelada baboons and enjoy a view of Addis Ababa from a viewpoint set at 3,300 meters above sea level (Entoto Mountain). Please note spotting the Gelada Baboons can be a matter of luck, as they live in an open park.

1. 1

   Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

   1 hour

   Founded by Ethiopian Saint Abune Tekle Haymanot, within a steep riverine canyon in 1284, Debre Libanos later became the political centre of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and is where Emperor Lebna Dengal received the first Portuguese mission to Ethiopia in 1520. The Italian army destroyed the original church in a 1937 massacre that claimed the lives of 800 monks, deacons and lay worshippers. The modern church, its domed roof decorated with stained-glass windows, remains an important pilgrimage site.

2. 2

   Portuguese Bridge

   1 hour

   Although the locals believe the stone-arch Portuguese bridge was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it was actually built in the 1890s by Ras Darge in the old Portuguese style. The narrow span makes a spectacular picture and the gushing (in the rainy season) cascade just below it is very impressive.

3. 3

   Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

   1 hour

   You will see the Jemma River Gorge, which is the stating point for the African Great Rift Valley and is one of Ethiopia’s most dramatic stretches of road that starts its serpentine descent to the bottom of the Blue Nile Gorge, 1km below. The gorge is accessed by a road that offers spectacular views, and a pair of bridges cross the river.

4. 4

   Entoto Maryam Church

   15 min

   You will drive by the historic Entoto Church, which in its compound has the first church in/around Addis Ababa. It is a tranquil church with typical ancient architecture of Ethiopian Churches.

5. 5

   Mount Entoto

   15 min

   Entoto is where Addis Ababa was first established. From almost 3,300 meters altitude, the Hill provides a spectacular views of the vast parts of Addis Ababa.

• Service animals allowed
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Minimum age is 7 years

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