Debre Libanos Monastery & Portuguese Bridge Excursion

Should you wish to do an excursion outside Addis Ababa, this tour with a 110km drive to the North of Addis, passing over undulating mountain ranges, takes you to. Shelter for the famous Gelada Baboon & various birds, Debre Libanos is a monastery complex that sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Abbay River (the Blue Nile). This monastery is a living witness for one of the largest single acts of mass Christian martyrdom in the 20th century, where in 1937 Italian soldiers serving the fascist regime of Benito Musosolini slaughtered some 300 Ethiopian monks at one of this Ethiopia’s holiest religious site. This tour entails outstanding views of the famous Blue Nile Gorge and the ancient Portuguese bridge, a stop at a rural village to see their life style and local drink, with beer tasting at the oldest brewery in Addis Ababa.

1. 1

   Addis Ababa

   2 hours

   We will pick you up from your destination and drive north of Addis Ababa.

2. 2

   Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

   2 hours

   After a good 2 hour driver, you will arrive at Debre Libanos monastery complex. You will visit the monastery, meet priests, spend some time around to view the famous Gelada Baboon & various birds.

3. 3

   Debre Libanos

   45 min

   You walk to the Portuguese bride and view the the famous Blue Nile Gorge and beautiful land scape.

4. 4

   Debre Birhan

   1 hour

   Lunch break.

5. 5

   Debre Libanos

   Pass by

   Stop by a farmer house on the way to Addis.

6. 6

   Addis Ababa

   2 hours

   Drive back to Addis Ababa.

7. 7

   St George Brewery

   1 hour

   We go to the oldest beer brewery in Addis to taste local beer at the spot.

8. 8

   Addis Ababa

   45 min

   We drop you to your destination.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   3 min

   For extra fee: You may join a group at a cultural night for authentic Ethiopian cultural food buffet along with cultural drinks, live music and dances of the diverse nations and nationalities of Ethiopia at Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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