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Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos and Blue Nile Gorge

By ARRE TOURS AND TRAVEL
Free cancellation available
Price is €130 per adult

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 8h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

Explore Ethiopia’s spiritual and natural wonders on a full-day adventure from Addis Ababa. Start by visiting the ancient Debre Libanos Monastery, founded in the 13th century, where you’ll learn about its significance in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and see its museum filled with ancient manuscripts. Journey to the stunning Blue Nile Gorge, often referred to as “Africa’s Grand Canyon,” for breathtaking views. Enjoy spotting Gelada baboons in their natural habitat during a short hike and immerse yourself in local culture with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a local home.

  • Full-day private tour from Addis Ababa (8–9 hours)
  • Visit the historic Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge
  • Walk along the Blue Nile Gorge for spectacular photo opportunities
  • Encounter Gelada baboons and enjoy a local coffee ceremony

Activity location

  • Debre Libanos
    • 1000, Debre Libanos, Ethiopia

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Edna Mall
    • Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Check availability

Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos and Blue Nile Gorge
  • Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes8h 30m
    8h 30m
  • English
Starting time: 08:00
Price details
€130.34 x 1 Adult€130.34
Total
Price is €130.34

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Private transport
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Admission fee
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Snacks
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Lunch

Know before you book

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialised infant seats are available
  • Transport options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Debre Libanos

  • 3h
  • Admission ticket included
Escape the city and explore Ethiopia’s spiritual, natural, and wildlife treasures on a full-day tour from Addis Ababa. Discover the ancient Debre Libanos Monastery, marvel at the dramatic Blue Nile Gorge, and spot wild Gelada baboons in their natural habitat. Founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, Debre Libanos is one of the most important religious centers in Ethiopia and a major pilgrimage site. The monastery stands above a dramatic gorge leading to the Blue Nile River. Tradition says Saint Tekle Haymanot prayed for seven years on one leg until the other broke, symbolising deep devotion; his tomb is preserved here. The modern church, built by Emperor Haile Selassie, features Afewerk Tekle’s vibrant stained glass windows, along with relics and manuscripts. The site also recalls the 1937 Italian massacre of monks and pilgrims, a tragedy still remembered today. Nearby, the 17th-century Portuguese Bridge and plunging waterfalls add natural beauty to the setting.

Portuguese Bridge

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket included
The Portuguese Bridge near Debre Libanos is believed to have been built in the 17th century, during the time of Portuguese influence in Ethiopia. Made entirely of local stone, the bridge arches gracefully across a deep gorge, blending with the rugged landscape. From the bridge, visitors enjoy spectacular views of the Jemma River Gorge and, during the rainy season, a dramatic 150-meter waterfall plunging into the valley below. Local legend says the bridge was built by Portuguese missionaries, though some historians argue it may have been constructed later by Ethiopian builders using Portuguese techniques. Today, it is both a historic landmark and a scenic highlight, offering one of the most breathtaking photo spots in the Ethiopian highlands.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Debre Libanos
    • 1000, Debre Libanos, Ethiopia

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Edna Mall
    • Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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