Top Addis Ababa Port Pickup in 2026

Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, the monastery there was founded by the renowned 13th century mystic, Saint Teclehaimanot and there is a small cave near the church (which is of recent construction) where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other wasted away and dropped off. On arrival at Debre Libanos, we will first stop at the Jemma gorge. The Jemma River is one of the tributaries of the Nile, and there is a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below. Here at the gorge (and in the forest around the church) we can expect to see the Banded Barbet, the Black-headed Forest Oriole, the White-billed Starling, the Red-billed Starling, the White-winged Cliff Chat, the White-backed Black Tit, the White-cheeked Turaco and Hemprich’s Hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding-heart baboon.

Join us for a guided city tour that blends history, culture, and daily life in Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit the National Museum to see the famous fossil "Lucy," admire the unique architecture of St. George Cathedral, and enjoy sweeping views from Entoto Hill. Experience the energy of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, and finish with a rich cup of traditional Ethiopian coffee at Tomoca. A perfect introduction to Addis Ababa!

Want to get out of the city and into nature while exploring deep spiritual history? The Debre Libanos & Portuguese Bridge Day Tour is the perfect mix of Ethiopia’s natural beauty, spiritual legacy, and historic charm. Just a short drive north of Addis Ababa, this full-day adventure takes you to one of Ethiopia’s most important religious centers—Debre Libanos Monastery—and to the stunning Portuguese Bridge, perched above the majestic Jemma River Gorge. You’ll walk where saints once walked, cross a legendary stone bridge, gaze into a breathtaking gorge, and possibly spot Gelada baboons in the wild.