Combine the stunning scenery of the Blue Nile Gorge and Portuguese Bridge with one of the holiest sites of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
- Visit one of the most important sites in the history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church
- Admire stunning views of the Gur River from the Portuguese Bridge, as it plunges into a waterfall hundreds of meters high
- See a cave where Gelada baboons sleep at night
- Look out for the endemic banded barbet, Abyssinian woodpecker, Ruppell's black chat and white-winged cliff chat
- Descend to the Blue Nile gorge, often compared to the Grand Canyon and cited as "the largest canyon in Africa"
Founded in 1284 by Abuna Tekle Haymanot, Debre Libanos Monastery served as the centre of the Ethiopian Church for almost 500 years. Today, the site has a calm, tranquil feel, situated amongst pleasant woodland and streams, but in 1937 this was the site of one of the worst atrocities of the Italian occupation. Fascist troops attacked and destroyed the monastery, killing 297 monks, more than 100 deacons and at least 400 lay people. Although a new church was constructed on the site in the 1950s, it never regained the same status it previously held as a centre of religious learning. It does, however, remain an important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians, who come to pay homage to the bones of the massacred monks.
Tekle Haymanot was an influential religious and political figure who was instrumental both in spreading Christianity through the region and in reinstating the rule of the Solomonic dynasty after several centuries of Zegwe reign. He is usually depicted with six wings and one leg. Tradition has it that after spending seven years standing on one leg, praying, his other leg fell off.
This is a day trip from Addis Ababa. Early in the morning, you will meet with your driver and guide either at our office in the Itegue Taitu Hotel (near the Piaza) or at your hotel, by prior arrangement. The journey to Debre Libanonos takes around two hours. You'll then have time to explore the church and monastery, before heading on to the Portuguese Bridge and Blue Nile Gorge. There'll be stops along the way for lunch, and to take photos and enjoy the scenery. You'll then return to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon/evening.
Services Included
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An experienced professional English-speaking local guide
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Private vehicle transport from Addis Ababa and back
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Lunch
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Entrance fees
Services Not Included
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Tips for staff
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Miscellaneous expenses – alcoholic drinks, souvenirs etc.
Upcoming tour dates:
If you are interested in this tour, we can also arrange dates to suit you so please contact us.
Alternatively, you can book direct via Viator or Trip Advisor.
Prices
The cost of this itinerary depends on your group size.
A tour for 1 person costs 14,803 ETB (275 USD / 253 EUR / 223 GBP).
A tour for 2 people costs 7,706 ETB (143 USD / 132 EUR / 116 GBP) per person.
A tour for 3 or more people costs 5,340 ETB (99 USD / 91 EUR / 80 GBP) per person.
Please see the further details tab for information about services included.
A deposit is required upon booking. For more details, please see our FAQ page, or read our full terms and conditions.
