Full-Day Tour to Debre Libanos Monastery from Addis Ababa

Full-Day Tour to Debre Libanos Monastery from Addis Ababa

Join this 8-hour day trip to the Debre Libanos Monastery to learn about Ethiopia's Orthodox Christian history. Current buildings include the church over Tekle Haymanot's tomb, an older Church of the Cross and five religious schools. A nearby cave contains a spring where the water is considered holy and is the object of pilgrimages. Take in the beauty of the waterfall before beginning your trek back to your hotel or the airport.

Meet your guide for an 8am pickup from your hotel or the arrivals lounge at the airport and start your drive to Debre Libanos. About 100km (62mi) from Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos is one of the best trips to make from the Ethiopian capital. The monastery and church northwest of the city have played an important role in Ethiopian Orthodox Christian religious history.

Take a break for lunch at a restaurant recommended by your professional guide (at own expense). Next, a short walk will lead you to the often-called Portuguese Bridge, which was built around the turn of the 20th century. The bridge spans the small Gur River which, just a few meters farther, pours into a 600m (1968ft) high waterfall down into the canyon.

In the late afternoon, you will be driven to your hotel or the airport to spend the evening at your leisure. The tour ends at approximately 6:30pm.