EXCURSION TO DEBRE LIBANOS

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About Tour Package

This is a day trip from Addis Ababa that takes around 8 hours. You will be picked up by your tour guide and driver from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport or your hotel in Addis Ababa, and then the trip will start at 7 a.m. You will drive north of Addis Ababa to visit two famous sites; the 13th-century monastery of Debre Libanos and the Historical Portuguese Bridge.

Tour Itinerary

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EXCURSION TO DEBRE LIBANOS

DEBRE LIBANOS MONASTERY

Debre Libanos Monastery is located 100km north of Addis Ababa, in Oromia Region. It takes 2 hours scenic drive to get to this historical and holiest site. This is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The monastery was founded, in the 13th century, by Saint Tekla Haimanot, one of Ethiopia’s most revered saints today. Unfortunately, the original monastery was destroyed by war, but a new monastery was built in 1961 during the era of Emperor Haile Selassie. The monastery sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge formed by Jemma River which is one of the tributaries of the great Blue Nile River. The monastery has impressive and large stained glass windows and stunning mural paintings. Also, there is a church museum where you will visit different Ethiopian Orthodox church objects, Ceremonial Clothes, and other historical relics. You will walk up to the hill for 15 minutes to reach the nearby cave where the Saint prayed for 29 years. According to the legend, the saint stood on one foot for so long that the other foot fell off. People come to the cave every day to receive holy water which is believed to be a sign of the saint’s prayer.

THE PORTUGUESE BRIDGE

This historical bridge is located close to the monastery and is believed to be built by the Portuguese Solders in the 16th century. But there is controversy about the origins of the Bridge. According to some, it was built by Ethiopian Ras Darge in the 19th century. The bridge is built in Portuguese style and the view of the area is simply breathtaking, with a waterfall and a deep gorge leading down to the Jemma River valley. Also, it is a habitat of rare birds and the endemic Gelada Baboons. You will have a walk on the bridge to see the spectacular view and the Jemma River Valley. The Jemma River is one of the tributaries of the great Blue Nile.

Package Destination Map

Package Features List

Departure Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Return Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tour Start Date & Time; Everyday

Additional Information

Visas: Visas are required for all visitors. Apply online (https://www.evisa.gov.et/status/Index/)

Price includes

Professional English-speaking guide at all times
Site entrance fees are included
Surface transportation (with the latest vehicle), Car maintenance, Fuel expense, Parking fees
Unlimited bottled water throughout the journey

Price does not include