Tour overview

This is a day trip which starts from Addis Ababa, takes you north to the holiest Monastery of Debre Libanos one of the sacred places in Ethiopia, the historical Portuguese Bridge and a chance to see some amazing mountain scenery, gorges and valleys and animals. You might have a chance to see Endemic Ethiopian Gelada Baboons and several birds. The drive takes two hours and takes you through the beautiful mountains and plains in the Oromia Region. Located just a few hours’ drive north of the capital, this is one of the best day trips to take from the city and provides some stunning views as you head out and into the surrounding mountainous countryside.Debre Libanos Monastery was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot who lived in a cave in cliffs nearby. The monastery is part and parcel of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of theoldest churches in the world. The word Debre is a Geez word, which means “mountain” and in most cases it is used in front of the names of Ethiopian monasteries as they are mostly built around mountainous areas. This Monastery is named after the name of a monk called Abba Lebanos, who lived in the sixth century A.D and prayed at the area for 40 years. After that, according to the tradition, He was told by Archangel Gabriel to leave the area, since it is assigned to a Father who is chosen by God from his childhood. The Father was Tekle Haymanot. Angel Gabriel also told Abba Libanos that the place will be named after him as “Debre Libanos”. Then this monk went to Tigray region further north. The cave where the founder of the monastery used to pray contains a spring whose water is considered holy, and many pilgrims visit. Saint Haymanot is buried in the middle of the Church, constructed in 1961. This monastery complex sits on a terrace between the cliffs and gorge on one of the tributaries of the Abbay River. None of the original buildings from the Sixteenth Century survive. This day trip is a combination of religion, nature and history.

Included

  • Entrances Fees
  • Transportation
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Qualified Driver
  • Bottle of Water
  • Transfers from/to Hotel & Airport

Not Included

  • Meals
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • Guide and Driver Gratuity (Tip)
  • Any other personal Expenses that are not mentioned in the included list

Addis Abeba -----> Debre Libanos -----> Addis Abeba

Welcome to Addis Ababa! If you arrive in the morning at Addis Abeba Bole International Airport you will be greeted by your tour guide from Memento Ethiopia Tours. Or if you are here already your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning around 9am from your hotel or any location in Addis Ababa. Then you start drive north of Addis Ababa through the Sululta Plains and Northern Highlands. Today’s excursion takes you to the famous 13th century monastery of Debre Libanos and old and historical stone bridge called ‘the Portuguese bridge’. First you will discover the Monastery. Debre Libanos Monastery was founded in the Thirteenth Century by Saint Tekle Haymanot who lived in a cave in cliffs nearby. His cave contains a spring whose water is considered holy, and many pilgrims visit. Saint Haymanot is buried in the middle of the Church, constructed in 1961. This monastery complex sits on a terrace between the cliffs and gorge on one of the tributaries of the Abbay River. None of the original buildings from the Sixteenth Century survive. Here you will visit the cathedral and museum. As soon as you approach the monastery, hundreds of pilgrims can be seen on a daily basis as, thought to have healing properties, the church is a famous place for Ethiopian Orthodox followers to come and seek solace. Actually, many also camp outside the church for months on end and their rudimentary dwellings can also easily be spotted as you make your way to Debre Libanos. Once you enter the gates of the church, the looming structure of this important religious site is very impressive and stepping inside, you are offered the time for some quiet contemplation in its atmospheric enclaves. Beautiful stain glass windows dominate the church, as well as religious paintings and icons. A visit to Debre Libanos Monastery has spiritual &historical value. It is the largest monastery in Ethiopia. The weekly market being held outside is another interesting point. After the visit of the monastery, take a short ride to the Portuguese Bridge, built in the Sixteenth Century across a tributary leading down to the Blue Nile. Made from sand and Ostrich Egg Shells brought from Gondar, it was built to get across during a war when the river was full. Here you have a chance to see the Gelada Baboons. Late in the afternoon drive back to Addis and transfer to your hotel or Airport. The tour ends here.