Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos Monastery & Mercato Day Trip

Discover the Debre Libanos Monastery and the bustling Mercato market on a day trip from Addis Ababa. Enjoy scenic views, sample local food, and learn about Ethiopian coffee traditions.
Begin your day with an early morning departure from Addis Ababa. Drive north on the Addis–Debre Markos/Ambo road, taking in the scenery along the way. After about 2.5–3 hours, arrive at Debre Libanos.

Visit the Debre Libanos Monastery complex, founded in the 13th century, and the Church of the Holy Trinity. Explore the monastery museum (if open) to see religious artifacts and manuscripts. Walk to the Portuguese Bridge and the dramatic Jemma River Gorge overlook for scenic views and birdlife.

Take a short hike along the rim or down to viewpoints, then enjoy a light coffee or tea at a local kiosk or guesthouse near the monastery.

On the way back to Addis Ababa, stop at a nearby small town or roadside to sample local food, such as injera with wot or tibs. Many drivers can recommend a clean local restaurant or guesthouse that serves lunch.

In the afternoon, arrive at Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. Take a guided walk through the market, focusing on spices and coffee stalls, textiles and traditional clothing, handicrafts and souvenirs, and household goods and electronics sections.

Learn about Ethiopian coffee traditions and have the opportunity to buy roasted beans. If you’d like a specialized stop, visit a coffee seller inside Mercato for a short demonstration of coffee roasting and brewing.

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.

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.