Name: Day Trip From Addis Ababa: Monastery, Nature & Wildlife
SKU: 65512P10
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (356 reviews)

WizardTrip

Day Trip From Addis Ababa: Monastery, Nature & Wildlife

4.9(356)· Addis Ababa· By Aman Ethiopia Tours And Travel Agent Watch the video

Free cancellation

From

€91per person

1 to 15 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €149.60€149.60

Total€149.60

About the activity

Embark on a full-day journey from Addis Ababa to the historic Debre Libanos Monastery and the intriguing Portuguese Bridge, expertly curated by Aman Ethiopia Tours. Explore the monastery, a significant site in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity founded in the 13th century. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings, admire breathtaking views of the Jemma River Gorge, and gain insights into local customs. Discover the Portuguese Bridge, a 16th-century architectural feat, adding a unique historical dimension to your experience. Aman Ethiopia Tours ensures comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and personalized service. This tour stands out for its commitment to authentic experiences, connecting you with Ethiopia's spiritual, cultural, and natural heritage in a single, well-organized day.

What's included

✓All attraction fees are covered.
✓Experience traditional Ethiopian coffee.
✓Bottled water is provided.
✓Vegan and vegetarian Ethiopian lunch options are available.

What is not included

✕Dinner and accommodation are not included.
✕Any alcoholic beverages are not included.

Itinerary

1
Debre Libanos Orthodox Church
Duration: 2 hours, entrance included. This is one of Ethiopia's ancient and historical monasteries, located northwest of Addis Ababa. Tradition holds that it was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, who is said to have meditated in a nearby cave for 29 years. The monastery complex is situated on a terrace between a cliff and a gorge, a tributary of the Abbay River. While none of the original structures remain, current buildings include the church built over Tekle Haymanot's tomb (commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1961), the slightly older Church of the Cross (rumored to house a fragment of the True Cross), and five religious schools.
· 2 h· Admission included
2
Portuguese Bridge
Duration: 1 hour, entrance included. The Portuguese Bridge near Debre Libanos, though often attributed to the Portuguese in the 16th century, was actually constructed by Ethiopians in the late 19th century, following the old Portuguese architectural style. The narrow span creates a picturesque scene, enhanced by the impressive cascade flowing beneath it, especially during the rainy season.
· 1 h· Admission included
3
Portuguese Bridge
Duration: 1 minute, entrance included. The Jemma River flows into a vast gorge near Debre Libanos and Fiche, eventually joining the Wenchit before reaching the Abbay (Blue Nile) River. The Jemma Valley and its surroundings are renowned for birdwatching tours. Key species for bird enthusiasts include the endemic and range-restricted Harwood’s Francolin. Other potential sightings include the Banded Barbet, Black-headed Forest Oriole, White-billed Starling, Red-billed Starling, White-winged Cliff Chat, White-backed Black Tit, White-cheeked Turaco, and Hemprich’s Hornbill. You may also encounter one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada (or bleeding heart baboon). Within the gorge, a variety of vultures can be observed, including Lamergeyer’s, Ruppell’s, and Lappet faced vultures.
· 1 min· Admission included

How to use your ticket

Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.

Meeting point and return

We will pick up all clients from their hotel, guesthouse, or any other accommodation.

Pickups are also available from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, coordinated with flight times.

We can collect guests staying in Addis Ababa from their homes or homestays.

Practical information

Service animals are permitted.
Specialized infant seats can be provided.
This tour is not recommended for individuals with cardiovascular health issues.
The tour is suitable for all levels of physical fitness.
The minimum age requirement is 6 years old.
Formal attire is recommended.

Activity options

Debre Libanos & Blue Nile Experience
Highlights: Blue Nile Gorge, Debre Libanos Monastery, Endemic Birds & Animals, Beautiful Waterfalls & Landscapes, Experiencing Ethiopian Culture.
Tour Type: Easy & Enjoyable Day Tour from Addis Ababa.
Duration: 9 hours.
Lunch: Enjoy a delightful Ethiopian lunch with stunning views of the Jemma Valley.
Transportation: Latest Tour Vans available.
Booking: Book your one-day tours from Addis Ababa.

Duration

8 h à 9 h

How to prepare for your experience

Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery.
Carry sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong.
Stay hydrated by drinking the provided bottled water.

Discover Ethiopia's spiritual heart, stunning nature, and unique wildlife on a memorable day trip from Addis Ababa.

Cancellation conditions

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

Any questions?

Product code: 65512P10

Activity offered by Aman Ethiopia Tours And Travel Agent via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Travelers interested in history and religion.
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Photographers.
Visitors seeking cultural experiences.

Activity essentials

Visit the historic Debre Libanos Monastery.
Explore the scenic Portuguese Bridge.
Discover the Jemma River Gorge.
Opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Experience authentic Ethiopian culture and cuisine.

Addis Ababa: good to know

Population: 5,704,000 (2024)
Elevation: 2,355 m
Currency: bir
Official language: Amharic
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: C, E, F, L · 220 V
Emergency number: 911

Average temperatures

15°Jan
17°Feb
18°Mar
18°Apr
18°May
18°Jun
16°Jul
16°Aug
16°Sept
14°Oct
14°Nov
14°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the duration of the day trip?

The tour lasts between 8 to 9 hours.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, an Ethiopian lunch for vegans and vegetarians is included.

Can I bring my pet?

Service animals are allowed on the tour.

What is the minimum age for participants?

The minimum age to participate is 6 years old.

What should I wear?

A formal dress code is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are also advised.

Reviews

4.94.9(356)

5 stars

334

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Beautiful experience at...
Iacopo_V, October 2026
Beautiful experience at Debre Libanos, a truly impressive place that is well worth visiting. Abe, our guide, was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. George, our driver, was also kind and professional throughout the day. Highly recommended!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
We are delighted with the tour and the professionalism of the guide Yihun!
728nastassiad, August 2026
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Aman Ethiopia Tours! Our guide, Yihun, was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and intelligent. He shared so many interesting facts throughout the day, answered all our questions, and made the whole experience genuinely engaging. You can immediately tell that he really knows and loves his country. Our driver, Barch, was also excellent — very professional, careful, and reliable. We felt completely safe and comfortable throughout the entire journey. The tour itself was beautiful and very well organized. We saw the Gelada baboons, visited Debre Libanos and the Portuguese Bridge, enjoyed the scenery, and never felt rushed. Everything was relaxed and comfortable — we actually felt like we had a proper day off while still seeing and learning so much. A fantastic experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator · Amanuel Assefa
Dear Nastassia, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Aman Ethiopia Tours & Travel for your Ethiopian adventure. We are delighted to know that you had such a memorable experience and especially appreciate your kind words about our guide, Yihun. We will certainly share your feedback with him. His knowledge, passion for Ethiopia, and dedication to making each experience meaningful are exactly what we strive for. We are also very happy to hear that Barch made you feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey. We truly believe that a great driver plays an important role in making a tour relaxed and enjoyable. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed seeing the Gelada baboons, visiting Debre Libanos and the Portuguese Bridge, and taking in the beautiful scenery without feeling rushed. Creating a comfortable pace while allowing our guests to genuinely enjoy and experience Ethiopia is very important to us. Thank you again for your trust, kind words, and recommendation. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back to Ethiopia again in the future. Warm regards, Aman Ethiopia Tours & Travel
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Wonderful excursion
Q916YBgiovannat, August 2026
Very well organized tour, perfectly on time, the guide was very good and very helpful, and Mr. Barch was very good. I absolutely recommend it
Response from the operator · Amanuel Assefa
Grazie mille per le splendide parole! Siamo davvero felici che abbiate apprezzato l’organizzazione, la puntualità e soprattutto la professionalità della nostra guida Mr. Barch. È stato un piacere accompagnarvi e speriamo di darvi nuovamente il benvenuto in Etiopia. 🇪🇹 Un caro saluto da tutto il team di Aman Ethiopia Tours & Travel!
★★★★★Viator review
Amazing trip from the city
Emily_L, August 2026
This tour was the highlight of our trip! We felt extremely safe and comfortable. We started off at the monastery, then we saw the baboons. Then we saw the Portuguese bridge and waterfalls and had a delicious lunch with a beautiful view. It was a nice, relaxing way to get out of the city. Our guide Barch was great, he went above and beyond to give us a perfect day.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Great way to see the countryside!
nicolecB3403YA, August 2026
It was really cool to see the countryside and what things are like outside the city. Our guide Niko was excellent. He explained things to us as we drove to the destinations, and shared about Ethiopia. He even brought us to some places to shop for coffee after we got back to Addis. He took us to local places to eat and try the local beer/liquor which was really cool because we never would have done that ourselves. The church had so much history and was beautiful. A priest showed us around and took us through the museum. The Portuguese bridge was stunning. The waterfall and the views from the top were beautiful. I would definitely recommend!
Response from the operator · Amanuel Assefa
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Ethiopian countryside and experiencing the local culture, food, and traditions with our guide Niko. We truly appreciate your kind words about his knowledge and hospitality. It was our pleasure to share the history, beauty, and hidden gems of Ethiopia with you, from the historic church and Portuguese Bridge to the breathtaking waterfall views. Thank you for choosing Aman Ethiopia Tours and Travel, and we hope to welcome you again for more unforgettable Ethiopian adventures!

3 activities · Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has 3 activities, tours and experiences to book.

01Activities to book

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3 in the catalogue

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Day Trip From Addis Ababa: Monastery, Nature & Wildlife

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Frequently asked questions about Addis Ababa

What is there to do in Addis Ababa?

Addis Ababa has 3 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Day Trip From Addis Ababa: Monastery, Nature & Wildlife », « Taste of Ethiopia », « Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off ».

What are the top-rated activities in Addis Ababa?

According to traveller reviews: « Day Trip From Addis Ababa: Monastery, Nature & Wildlife » (4.9/5, 356 reviews) ; « Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off » (4.9/5, 570 reviews) ; « Taste of Ethiopia » (4.9/5, 413 reviews).