Ethiopia · City Tours

1-Day Historical Tour of Debre Berhan and Ankober with Rift Valley Views

1 Day Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Debre Berhan, the former imperial capital of Emperor Zera Yaqob
  • 02 Explore historic Ankober and see the ruins of Menelik II's palace
  • 03 Visit an ancient Christian monastery in Ankober
  • 04 Enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Ethiopian Rift Valley

Embark on a full-day tour to Debre Berhan and Ankober, two historically significant towns in Ethiopia. Explore Debre Berhan's role as an imperial capital under Emperor Zera Yaqob and its importance under the Shoan kings, especially King Sahle Selassie. In Ankober, visit the ruins of Menelik II's palace and an ancient Christian monastery, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Ethiopian Rift Valley.

Visit the ruins of Menelik II's palace and an ancient Christian monastery.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Addis Ababa, Debre Birhan, Ankober
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Debre Berhan and Ankober Historical Tour

  • In the morning, start the drive north on the Dessie Road from Addis Ababa.

First Stop - Debre Berhan

  • After a 130 km drive, arrive in the historic city of Debre Berhan.
  • Explore its significance as the imperial capital under Emperor Zera Yaqob (1434-1468), who chose the city after seeing a "heavenly light" (likely Halley's Comet), which he considered a divine sign.
  • Learn about the city's role as an important center under the Shoan kings, especially King Sahle Selassie (1813-1847).

Continue to Ankober

  • Drive onward to Ankober, a town rich in history dating back to the 12th century.
  • Discover Ankober's significance as the site of the 19th-century coronation of Emperor Menelik II as King of Ethiopia.
  • Visit the ruins of Menelik II's palace and an ancient Christian monastery.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Ethiopian Rift Valley.

Return Journey

  • Begin the drive back to Addis Ababa, with a stopover in Debre Berhan.

Arrival

  • Arrive in Addis Ababa late in the afternoon, concluding the tour.
Debre Berhan imperial streets, Ankober palace ruins, Great Ethiopian Rift Valley views

Where this trip takes you

Debre Berhan imperial streets, Ankober palace ruins, Great Ethiopian Rift Valley views

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Addis Ababa 3 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Fuel

  • Car

  • Driver allowance

  • Meals

What's Not Included

  • Guide fees

  • Escort guide fee

  • Entrance fee

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour start
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 1 day finishes where it began, in Addis Ababa.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 100 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total