Day Trip in Debre Libanos Bule Nile George and Portugal Bridge

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Morning (Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos & Portuguese Bridge) 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM: Pick-up from Addis Ababa Your driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Addis Ababa.

   1 h

2. 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Explore Debre Libanos Monastery Monastery Complex: Visit the Debre Libanos Monastery, a significant monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot. The current church was built in 1961 under Emperor Haile Selassie. Museum: Explore the monastery's museum, which houses ancient religious artifacts, manuscripts, crosses, and ceremonial clothes. Saint Tekle Haymanot's Cave: Take a short walk (around 15 minutes, uphill) to the sacred cave where Saint Tekle Haymanot is said to have meditated for 29 years, famously standing on one leg for seven of those years. Pilgrims often visit to receive holy water. Wildlife: Keep an eye out for Gelada baboons, endemic to Ethiopia, which are often found in the surrounding areas. You might also spot various bird species.

   2 hAdmission included

3. 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Visit the Portuguese Bridge Location & History: Located near the monastery, this historic stone-arch bridge offers breathtaking views of the Jemma River Valley. While often attributed to Portuguese soldiers in the 16th century, some sources suggest it was built by Ethiopian Ras Darge in the 19th century in the Portuguese style. Views & Waterfall: Admire the impressive architecture of the bridge and the spectacular waterfall below, especially during the rainy season. Light Hike: Enjoy a short walk around the bridge area to take in the panoramic views of the deep gorge and the Jemma River, a tributary of the Blue Nile.

   2 hAdmission included

4. Lunch & Afternoon (Blue Nile Gorge & Return to Addis Ababa) 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local lodge or restaurant in the Debre Libanos area, often offering traditional Ethiopian food. 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Drive to Blue Nile Gorge Viewpoint Continue your journey to a viewpoint overlooking the magnificent Blue Nile Gorge. While Debre Libanos itself is on a tributary of the Blue Nile (the Jemma River), the term "Blue Nile Gorge" in this context often refers to the grander, more expansive canyon views you'll get further along the road. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Blue Nile Gorge Views & Photography Spectacular Scenery: Marvel at the immense scale of the Blue Nile Gorge, often compared to the Grand Canyon. It's truly a breathtaking natural wonder. Photography: Take your time to capture the panoramic vistas. Optional Short Hike: If time and conditions permit, your guide might lead a short, easy hike to different viewpoints for varying perspectives.

   2 hAdmission included

5. 00 PM - 5:30 PM: Drive back to Addis Ababa Begin your return journey to Addis Ababa. 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Optional Stops (if time allows) Coffee Ceremony: If you haven't experienced one yet, your guide might arrange a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony stop. Local Village: A brief stop at a local village could offer a glimpse into rural Ethiopian life. 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Drop-off in Addis Ababa Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or desired location.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 3 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Addis Ababa

• Its from-price is close to the median of the 83 day trips we list in Addis Ababa.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 43 of 83.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, stands high on a plateau among eucalyptus-covered hills, with museums, markets, churches and African Union offices.

At around 2,400 metres, Addis Ababa is one of the highest capitals in the world, laid out on the slopes of the Entoto hills. The National Museum of Ethiopia tells the story of human origins through Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old partial skeleton found in the country in 1974, while the Ethnological Museum is housed in a former imperial palace. Holy Trinity Cathedral and Saint George Cathedral are important churches, and Meskel Square hosts large gatherings.

Top-ranked sights in Addis Ababa: National Museum of Ethiopia, Mt. Entoto, IES Ethnographic Museum (Addis Ababa University).

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