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Activity Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour

4.7 (292 reviews) 7–8 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour

About this activity

On this popular road trip, you will pass through beautiful countryside scenery and the real Ethiopian way of life in action - farmers, rural communities, towns cut off from each other. At the destinations, you will visit the ancient Debre Libanos Monastery (and its cave church), the famed ‘Portuguese Bridge’ built in the 1890s, the Nile Gorge with its abundant endemic birdlife and gelada baboons and enjoy a view of Addis Ababa from a viewpoint set at 3,300 meters above sea level (Entoto Mountain).

Please note spotting the Gelada Baboons can be a matter of luck, as they live in an open park.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Excellent Quality Involves Animals Top Product

At a glance

Duration
7–8 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 30 people
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English, Italian, French, Spanish
Operated by
myGuzo

Ages: Adults (9–90 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Local guides
  • Included: Ground transportation including a car, fuel and a driver
  • Included: Pickup and dropoff at any location in Addis Ababa (either Hotel or Airport)
  • Included: Lunch, including a bottle of water and hot drinks
  • Included: Museum and Church Entrance Fees
  • Included: Accompanying English speaking tour guide

Not included

  • Not included: Alcoholic beverages
  • Not included: Personal expenses
  • Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

    one hour Admission included

    Founded by Ethiopian Saint Abune Tekle Haymanot, within a steep riverine canyon in 1284, Debre Libanos later became the political centre of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and is where Emperor Lebna Dengal received the first Portuguese mission to Ethiopia in 1520. The Italian army destroyed the original church in a 1937 massacre that claimed the lives of 800 monks, deacons and lay worshippers. The modern church, its domed roof decorated with stained-glass windows, remains an important pilgrimage site.

  2. Portuguese Bridge

    one hour Admission included

    Although the locals believe the stone-arch Portuguese bridge was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it was actually built in the 1890s by Ras Darge in the old Portuguese style. The narrow span makes a spectacular picture and the gushing (in the rainy season) cascade just below it is very impressive.

  3. Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

    one hour Admission included

    You will see the Jemma River Gorge, which is the stating point for the African Great Rift Valley and is one of Ethiopia’s most dramatic stretches of road that starts its serpentine descent to the bottom of the Blue Nile Gorge, 1km below. The gorge is accessed by a road that offers spectacular views, and a pair of bridges cross the river.

  4. Entoto Maryam Church

    15 min Admission included

    You will drive by the historic Entoto Church, which in its compound has the first church in/around Addis Ababa. It is a tranquil church with typical ancient architecture of Ethiopian Churches.

  5. Mount Entoto

    15 min Admission included

    Entoto is where Addis Ababa was first established. From almost 3,300 meters altitude, the Hill provides a spectacular views of the vast parts of Addis Ababa.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Pickup points

  • Shalla Guest House
  • Z Addis Hotel
  • Addissinia Hotel
  • Omna Addis Hotel
  • Friendship International Hotel
  • Hill Spring Hotel
  • Home In Guest House
  • Harmony Hotel
  • BON Plaza Hotel Addis Ababa
  • New Silk Road Hotel
  • Sowirad Hotel
  • Ark Hotel Addis

and 369 more pickup points

Flexible pickup from anywhere in Addis Ababa, including Bole Airport, any hotels or home addresses

Using your ticket

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Minimum age is 7 years

Traveller ratings

4.7 out of 5 · 292 reviews
5
86%
4
9%
3
2%
2
1%
1
3%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour

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