Day trip

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

Top rated
4.6934304 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.6934304 out of 5 stars
137 reviews
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Day trip
Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour
Top rated
4.6934304 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.6934304 out of 5 stars
137 reviews

Experience breathtaking mountainous landscape and the Ethiopian rural way of life on a tour from Addis Ababa. Discover the Portuguese Bridge, endemic baboons at the Nile Gorge, and a cave monastery.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 7 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
Hotel pickup: Please wait in the hotel lobby 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Airport pickup: The driver or guide will be holding a sign with your last name on it outside the airport where the yellow taxis are parked.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

J
Joshua – Saudi Arabia

A great day trip north of Addis Ababa with stunning views and cultural highlights. Allen, our guide, was very knowledgeable and engaging — he had so much to share, which I truly enjoyed. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enter the Debre Libanos monastery due to a service taking place when we arrived. The Blue Nile Gorge and cave visit were both scenic and peaceful. However, pick-up was delayed due to a fuel issue, which affected our schedule and made the tour feel rushed. With better coordination and planning, especially for timing and logistics, this could have been a perfect experience.

M
Malcolm – Taiwan

This trip was really good. Abiy and Ndalk of myGuzo took good care of us throughout the day. The sights were interesting, brought to life by Abiy's explanations. We caught a family of chilada baboons, crossed the Portguese Bridge, got a gorgeous view of the Blue Nile Gorge, and visited Debrelibabos Church and Museum. It was an awesome tour. A word of caution, there is a bit of walking over stones at the gorge; you should be relatively sure footed, though the guides are ready to help. If you're afraid of traffic, be aware that conventions here are quite different.

Highlights

  • Experience monastic life at the Debre Libanos Monastery, founded in 1284
  • Marvel at the breathtaking views and landscapes of the Blue Nile Gorge
  • Take a short hike to the stone-arch Portuguese Bridge
  • Discover wildlife, including endemic bleeding-heart baboons and birdlife
  • Soak up panoramic views of Addis Ababa from Entoto Hill at 3,300 meters

Full description

Visit the Debre Libanos Monastery, the famed Portuguese Bridge, the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge, and the haunting Saint Teklehaimanot Cave Church in just one day with an English-speaking guide. Marvel at breathtaking mountain landscapes and endemic wildlife, like bleeding-heart gelada baboons.

After pickup at your hotel or at the airport in Addis Ababa, drive 100 kilometers (68 miles) to the north and pass over undulating mountain ranges that shelter the famous bleeding-heart baboons, as well as various endemic birds. Arrive at Debre Libanos, a monastery complex founded by Ethiopian Saint Abune Tekle Haymanot in 1284 that sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries to the Blue Nile River (Jamma River).

Then, experience the breathtaking views of the Blue Nile Gorge, often compared with Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Admire the Portuguese Bridge, built by Ras Darge in the 1890s in a classic Portuguese style. Enjoy the scenic views, interact with the Oromo people, and trek to the Saint Teklehaimanot Cave Church where around 300 monks were slaughtered in 1936 by Italian invaders.

On the way back to Addis Ababa, make a stop at the Entoto Mountain for panoramic views of Addis Ababa from 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level. The tour concludes with drop-off at the airport or your hotel

Includes

  • Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off
  • Ground transportation
  • Escorting guide from Addis Ababa
  • Local guide at the Monastery
  • All entry fees
  • Lunch with water and hot drinks
  • Bottled water
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen

Know before you go

  • Women should wear clothing that covers well below the knees
  • Women are also encouraged to bring scarfs to cover their heads as they access the monastery (this is optional)

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 137 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
J
Joshua – Saudi ArabiaApril 4, 2025 – Verified booking
A great day trip north of Addis Ababa with stunning views and cultural highlights. Allen, our guide, was very knowledgeable and engaging — he had so much to share, which I truly enjoyed. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enter the Debre Libanos monastery due to a service taking place when we arrived. The Blue Nile Gorge and cave visit were both scenic and peaceful. However, pick-up was delayed due to a fuel issue, which affected our schedule and made the tour feel rushed. With better coordination and planning, especially for timing and logistics, this could have been a perfect experience.
M
Malcolm – TaiwanJanuary 31, 2025 – Verified booking
This trip was really good. Abiy and Ndalk of myGuzo took good care of us throughout the day. The sights were interesting, brought to life by Abiy's explanations. We caught a family of chilada baboons, crossed the Portguese Bridge, got a gorgeous view of the Blue Nile Gorge, and visited Debrelibabos Church and Museum. It was an awesome tour. A word of caution, there is a bit of walking over stones at the gorge; you should be relatively sure footed, though the guides are ready to help. If you're afraid of traffic, be aware that conventions here are quite different.
O
Omotolu – United KingdomJanuary 18, 2025 – Verified booking
Lots to see on this tour from the baboons, Portuguese bridge, Blue nile gorge and Debre Libanos. Once we were out of the city it was a beautiful scenic route. Great to meet some locals, in particular the monastery leader who gave a good history of the orthodox Church. We also had coffee and authentic ethiopian food. Abiy was a warm friendly host. It is a long drive to and fro (the whole trip was more like 9-10 hrs) but worth it in my opinion.

Product ID: 352026

Activity provider:myGuzo Ethiopia Tours

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