Ethiopia · Culture

2-Day Addis Ababa and Debre Libanos History Tour with Meskel

2 Days Round trip from Bole 1 Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore artefacts, cultural displays, and handicrafts at the Ethnological Museum
02 See cultural and archaeological relics, including the famous "Lucy," at the National Museum
03 Visit Ba'ata Church, also known as Menelik's Mausoleum, one of the oldest churches in Addis
04 Take part in the eve of the Meskel and Demar ceremony at Meskel Square

Embark on a 2-day journey through Addis Ababa and Debre Libanos, combining Ethiopia's history, culture, and religious heritage. Explore the Ethnological Museum and the National Museum, home to remarkable cultural and archaeological treasures, including the famous "Lucy." Drive through Addis-Mercato, the largest open-air market on the continent, and take part in the eve of the Meskel and Demar ceremony at Meskel Square. Continue to Debre Libanos along a beautiful asphalt road before your transfer to Bole International Airport.

At the famous National Museum, see various cultural and archaeological relics, including the renowned "Lucy," a 3.2 million-year-old female hominid discovered in Ethiopia's Awash Valley in 1974.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Addis Ababa City Tour and Meskel Festival Eve

Arrive at Bole International Airport, clear immigration, and proceed to baggage claim. Collect your checked bags, clear customs, and pass through the arrivals hall, where you will meet an Ethiopian representative who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided tour of the Ethnological Museum, known for its artefacts, cultural displays, and handicrafts representing Ethiopia's many ethnic groups.
At the famous National Museum, see various cultural and archaeological relics, including the renowned "Lucy," a 3.2 million-year-old female hominid discovered in Ethiopia's Awash Valley in 1974.
Drive through Addis-Mercato, the largest open-air market on the continent.
If time permits, see beautiful paintings and the royal tombs of past emperors, including Emperor Haile Selassie, at Ba'ata Church, also known as Menelik's Mausoleum, one of the oldest churches in Addis, built in 1911.
Later in the afternoon, transfer to Meskel Square and participate in the eve of the Meskel and Demar ceremony.

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Transportation: Recent-model Land Cruiser with all options

Accommodation: Monarch Hotel

Consultant Note:

You will cover approximately 80 km and do a 1-hour drive.
Game drive varies at the time of arrival.

Day 02

Drive to Debre Libanos and Departure Transfer

Drive for two hours on an excellent asphalt road from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos.
Have lunch and stay at Ethio-German Lodge.
In the evening, transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Transportation: Recent-model Land Cruiser with all options

Consultant Note:

You will cover approximately 250 km, including drop-off.
Game drive varies with the finishing time.
If you need extra days or want to visit the country, ask your tour consultant to make programs for you.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Bole 1 2 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on a full-board basis
All entrance fees according to the tour program
Airport transfers: airport - hotel - airport
2 litres of packed water per day, per passenger
Ground transportation as per the package itinerary
Fuel for the car
Driver allowance (lodge, food, and allowance)
English-speaking Ethiopian guide
Local guide fees

What's Not Included

Alcoholic drinks
Video camera and photography fees
Tips, telephone calls, laundry services, and other expenses of a personal nature
International flights
Any other expenses not mentioned in the prices of "What's Included?"

Know before you go

Meskel Festival: One of Ethiopia's most popular attractions for visitors is the yearly Meskel celebration. The September Meskel Festival marks the finding of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. The festival is ancient, dating back more than 1,600 years. It is celebrated with yellow Meskel daisies placed on top of huge bonfires that are lit in the evening before throngs of celebrants.
Debre Libanos: For Ethiopians, it is one of the most important religious sites in the whole country. Its founder, Saint Tekelehaymont, contributed to the abdication of the Zagwe dynasty, believed to be usurpers, and to the return of emperors believed to be offspring of King Salomon. He also contributed to spreading Christianity in southern Ethiopia and was canonized for his service. The original temple did not survive until today. The modern church was funded in 1961 by Emperor Haile Selassie I. According to legend, Father Teklehaymanot prayed for 29 years in a cave in the canyon of Lake Jemma. Nowadays, the cave is a destination for many pilgrims, and its water is believed to be holy. The road from the monastery to the cave takes about 5 minutes. The leader of the monastery, the abbot, is the second most important cleric of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church after the patriarch.
The gorge of the River Jemma is very picturesque. The river is a tributary of the Blue Nile. Especially worth seeing is a rock bridge called Portuguese Bridge. It is called Portuguese because, according to many sources, it was built by Portuguese people residing in Ethiopia in the 17th century. This is not true. The construction was built on the order of local magnates. The real Portuguese Bridge connects the shores of the Blue Nile near Bahirdar. The incorrect terminology does not reduce the beauty of the construction. It is worth waiting a while for gelada baboons to walk on it - endemic monkeys of Ethiopia. They live on the cliffs of the River Jemma gorge. The surroundings of the monastery are also a great place to observe birds.

Logistics