Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge & Cave Church
ID: GYG352026-629861
Category:
Country: Ethiopia
Duration:
07:00 hours
Description
Explore the Debre Libanos Monastery, the Portuguese Bridge, the Teklehaimanot Cave Church, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Blue Nile Gorge on this day trip from Addis Ababa. Discover the typical Ethiopian countryside lifestyle and endemic wildlife.
Visit the impressive 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
Highlights
- Experience monastic life at the Debre Libanos Monastery, founded within a steep riverine canyon 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 the wildlife around the monastery, including endemic bleeding-heart aboons and birdlife
- Soak up panoramic views of Addis Ababa from Entoto Hill at 3,300 meters above sea level
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• 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)
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You are required to bring and wear a mask
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.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
