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Ethiopia · Religious & Spiritual
The journey
Visit historic Debre Libanos, a 13th-century monastery in Ethiopia's Oromia Region, and learn about its important role in Ethiopian Orthodox Christian religious history. This full-day tour also takes you to the Portuguese Bridge, built around the turn of the 20th century over the Gur River. Along the way, enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and impressive canyon scenery before returning to Addis Ababa.
Enjoy a short walk to the Portuguese Bridge.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Depart Addis Ababa in the morning with your Ethiopian guide.
Go to Debre Libanos Monastery and church.
Enjoy a short walk to the Portuguese Bridge.
Drive back to Addis Ababa.
Where this trip takes you
Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge, Gur River canyon
The route
The fine print
Lunch
All ground transportation, transfers in and out, including fuel and driver allowance, using a brand new Coaster Bus (10-20 pax)
All entrance, local guide, and scout fees
English-speaking Ethiopian guide
Alcoholic beverages
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses
The guide can arrange a tour based on your interests.
Debre Libanos is a monastery in Ethiopia, lying northwest of Addis Ababa in the Oromia Region. Founded in the thirteenth century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, the monastery's chief abbot, called the Ichege, was the second most powerful official in the Ethiopian Church after the Abuna. The monastery complex sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Abbay River (the Blue Nile). Slightly over 104 km from Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos is one of the best day trips from the Ethiopian capital. The monastery and church, northwest of the city, have played an important role in Ethiopian Orthodox Christian religious history and are reminders of Ethiopia's struggle against the Italian occupation. In addition to its religious significance, Debre Libanos impresses all visitors with the surrounding landscape. Debre Libanos is located directly on the escarpment looking down into the canyon, providing spectacular views - a perfect location to stop and enjoy the surroundings.
Portuguese Bridge 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 600-meter-high waterfall down into the canyon.
Logistics
Your 1 day finishes where it began, in Addis Ababa.
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