Portuguese Bridge

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

Debre Libanos Monastery & Portuguese Bridge Day Tour Full-Day Guided Cultural and Nature Tour from Addis Ababa Tour Start Time & Pick-Up Location: Start Time: 7:30 AM (recommended) Pick-Up: We will pick you up from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport or your hotel within the city. Please be ready 15 minutes before departure. Begin your journey heading north from Addis Ababa through the scenic Entoto Mountains, enjoying views of dense forests and the highland landscape. After approximately 2 hours of driving (110 km), we arrive at Debre Libanos Monastery, one of Ethiopia’s most venerated religious sites. Debre Libanos Monastery & Museum: Explore the richly decorated church and its unique museum, which houses religious artifacts, historical crowns, musical instruments, and even relics from the Italian occupation. Tekle Haimanot’s Cave & Holy Water: Visit the sacred cave of Saint Tekle Haimanot, the monastery’s founder, and see the holy spring believed to have healing powers. Martyrs’ Memorial: Learn about the tragic 1937 massacre of priests and worshippers by Italian forces, commemorated by a monument near the church. Portuguese Bridge & Blue Nile Gorge: Drive to the nearby 16th-century Portuguese Bridge overlooking the dramatic Blue Nile Gorge. Enjoy breathtaking views, spot Gelada Baboons (Ethiopian endemics), and observe a variety of native bird species. Entoto Mountain View: On your return, pause for a panoramic view of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto. Tour Ends: We return to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon (approx. 5:00 PM) and drop you off at your hotel or the airport

You will meet our staff at the hotel or airport and drive from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge. It is located 105 km north west of Addis Ababa, It takes two and half hours of scenic driving to get to this historical and one of the respected monastery in Ethiopia. It was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot. Firstly we will visit the museum that have a lot of ancient bible books collection with religious crosses, clothes and some traditional material it was used within the monastery during the previous time, Secondly we will see the internal parts of the church with the tomb of the founder of the Monastery with a beautiful stain Glass windows. Later you will visit the Portuguese bridge built by the Portuguese during 16 century with a beautiful landscape and if you lucky one of Ethiopian endemic Mammals Chelada Monkey. Finally we have lunch in front of a beautiful Jemma river gorge. After lunch we will back to Addis. On the way we have a chance to see some birds, traditional Ethiopian huts and farm lands.

Welcome to our immersive group tour experience, where you'll embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the beauty and history of Debre Libanos and the Portuguese Bridge. Our adventure begins as we depart from our meeting point in a comfortable vehicle, traveling through the stunning Ethiopian landscape towards Debre Libanos. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the local culture and history, setting the stage for our exploration. Upon arrival at Debre Libanos, we'll step back in time as we explore the ancient monastery, known for its striking architecture and spiritual significance. Learn about the monastery's rich history, dating back centuries, and discover the fascinating stories of the monks who have called it home. Next, we'll venture to the majestic Portuguese Bridge, a marvel of engineering that spans the dramatic Blue Nile Gorge. Take in panoramic views of the rugged terrain below as you walk across this iconic landmark, capturing breathtaking photos to cherish forever. As we journey back, we'll stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious Ethiopian lunch, savoring traditional flavors and dishes that highlight the country's vibrant culinary heritage. This will be a chance to relax, refuel, and connect with your fellow travelers over a shared meal. Throughout the tour, our experienced guides will be on hand to answer questions, provide insights, and ensure that you have a memorable and enriching experience. By the end of the day, you'll have not only witnessed the beauty of Debre Libanos and the Portuguese Bridge but also forged meaningful connections and lasting memories with your fellow adventurers.

Leave the busy streets of Addis Ababa behind and embark on a scenic day trip to Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge. This journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Jemma River Gorge, offering a perfect mix of history, nature, and adventure. Your tour begins with a hotel pickup in Addis Ababa, followed by a drive through the Entoto Hills, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. As you travel north, pass through lush countryside and traditional Ethiopian villages. Upon arrival at Debre Libanos Monastery, one of Ethiopia’s most important religious sites, explore its rich history and spiritual significance. Founded in the 13th century, the monastery houses ancient manuscripts, beautiful paintings, and the tomb of Saint Tekle Haymanot. Visit the modern church with stunning stained-glass windows and learn about Ethiopia’s deep-rooted Orthodox Christian heritage. Next, take a short drive to the Portuguese Bridge, a 16th-century stone bridge with spectacular views over the Jemma River Gorge. Marvel at the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, and keep an eye out for Gelada baboons, endemic to Ethiopia. This is a great spot for photography and relaxation in nature. After enjoying the sights, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional Ethiopian cuisine. On the return journey, soak in more of Ethiopia’s beautiful highland scenery before being dropped off at your hotel, ending your unforgettable day trip.

On arrival we will meet you at the airport then drive to north Ethiopia passing through the wonderful chain mountains and densely tree forest of Mount Entoto then after a two hours driving we will be arriving at one of the respected monastery of Ethiopia Debre Libanos is a monastery in Ethiopia which is lying northwest of Addis Ababa and it was Founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot we will visit the museums that have a lot of ancient bible books collection with religious crosses later we will see the internal parts of the church with the tombs of the founder of the monastery then we will have a 10 min hiking to the cave(served like a praying area for the founder of the monastery ST Tekle Haymanot) finally we will take you to the Portuguese Bridge lying at the Blue Nile George to see the wonderful landscapes and Ethiopian endemic baboons which is called the Chelada Baboon and you will have a chance of seeing Ethiopian Birds.

Debre Libanos Full Day Tour from Addisabeba With Simien Mountains Outstanding Nature Tours Join us for a full day tour from Addis to Debre Libanos, starting at 7:00 AM. We will pick you up from your hotel and embark on a scenic drive of over 100 kilometers through the lush Oromia region, passing by local villages and farms. The journey to Debre Libanos will take approximately 2.5 hours. Debre Libanos is an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo monastery located northwest of Addis Ababa in the North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region. It was originally founded in 1284 by Saint Tekle Haymanot as Debre Atsbo and later renamed Debre Libanos in the 15th century. The saint spent 29 years meditating in a cave above the current monastery. The monastery's chief abbot, known as the Ichege, held great influence within the Ethiopian Church. Situated on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Abbay River (the Blue Nile), the monastery complex offers breathtaking views. While none of the original buildings remain, there are still fascinating discoveries to be made among the neighboring cliffs. You will have the opportunity to visit the church built over Tekle Haymanot's tomb, a Church of the Cross where a fragment of the True Cross is said to be preserved, and five religious schools. A short five-minute walk from the monastery, you can explore the cave where the saint once resided. The spring inside the cave is considered holy and attracts pilgrims from far and wide. After immersing ourselves in the history and spirituality of Debre Libanos, we will continue our journey to the top of the Jama River valley, offering stunning panoramic views. Along the way, you will encounter Gelada Baboons, a unique primate species found in the Ethiopian highlands. These vegetarian monkeys live in family groups, and you will also have the chance to observe various plant species such as aloveria, Rumex, Cuctes spps, and a wide variety of bird species, including Takzy sunbirds, ravens, vultures, and seed eaters. Additionally, there is a historic bridge known as the Portuguese Bridge with a fascinating past, as well as beautiful waterfalls to admire. After exploring all these captivating natural and historical sites, we will pause for a delicious lunch with a breathtaking view at one of the local restaurants. Following the meal, we will drive back to Addis and drop you off at your hotel or Bole Airport for your international flight. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Ethiopia. Book your tour with us today!

Debre Libanos Monastery Day Trip Hotel Pickup Start your day with a hotel pickup in Addis Ababa at 2:30 am. Your private driver will provide a comfortable and efficient transfer to your first destination. Arrive at Debre Libanos Monastery Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the stunning 13th-century monastery, perched on the edge of the Jemma River Gorge. Spend time exploring the monastery's historic church, admiring the intricate murals and learning about its significance in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Visit Tekla Haimanot's Cave Visit the cave of Tekla Haimanot, the monastery's founder. This is where he is said to have done his daily prayers, and the source of the monastery's famed holy water. Explore the Monastery Museum Step inside the monastery's fascinating museum, which displays a variety of artifacts, including Italian guns, cooking pots, crowns of past emperors, and traditional musical instruments. Visit the Portuguese Bridge Continue your journey to the 17th-century Portuguese Bridge, which spans the Jemma River Gorge. Marvel at the impressive engineering and take in the breathtaking views. Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing Explore the area around the monastery and bridge, keeping an eye out for the diverse birdlife and the endemic gelada baboons that inhabit the region. Lunch at a Local Restaurant Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Ethiopian cuisine and taking in the stunning mountain scenery. Depart for Addis Ababa Begin your return journey to Addis Ababa, arriving back at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Debre Libanos Monastery It is located 100km north of Addis Ababa, in Oromia Region. It takes two hours of scenic driving to get to this historical and holiest site. This is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The monastery was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekla Haimanot, one of Ethiopia’s most revered saints today. Unfortunately, the original monastery was destroyed by war, but a new monastery was built in 1961 during the era of Emperor Haile Selassie. The monastery sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge formed by Jemma River which is one of the tributaries of the great Blue Nile River. The monastery has impressive and large stained glass windows and stunning mural paintings. Also, there is a church museum where you will visit different Ethiopian Orthodox church objects, Ceremonial Clothes, and other historical relics. You will walk up to the hill for 15 minutes to reach the nearby cave where the Saint prayed for 29 years. According to the legend, the saint stood on one foot for so long that the other foot fell off. People come to the cave every day to receive holy water which is believed to be a sign of the saint’s prayer. The Portuguese bridge This historical bridge is located close to the monastery and is believed to be built by the Portuguese Solders in the 16th century. But there is controversy about the origins of the Bridge. According to some, it was built by Ethiopian Ras Darge in the 19th century. The bridge is built in Portuguese style and the view of the area is simply breathtaking, with a waterfall and a deep gorge leading down to the Jemma River valley. Also, it is a habitat of rare birds and the endemic Gelada Baboons. You will have a walk on the bridge to see the spectacular view and the Jemma River Valley. The Jemma River is one of the tributaries of the great Blue Nile.

This day trip is all about fun informative and entertaining getaway from Addis Ababa. The Debre Libanos tour is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Explore the ancient Debre Libanos Monastery, founded in the 13th century, and marvel at the iconic Portuguese Bridge, a 16th-century architectural gem that highlights Portugal’s influence in Ethiopia. As you wander, be sure to soak in the breathtaking views of the nearby Jemma River Falls, where cascading waters create a serene backdrop for your adventure. This full-day excursion is the perfect getaway for those seeking to connect with Ethiopia's rich heritage and scenic landscapes!