Day Trip from Addis Ababa: Historical Monasteries & Scenic Nature
Description
Explore Ethiopia’s nature and culture on this guided excursion. After a airport pickup, visit one of the country’s oldest monasteries, Debre Libanos, and see its tombs, museum, and the nearby cave where its founding saint prayed. Head to the Blue Nile Gorge and admire amazing views while watching for Ethiopia’s endemic Gelada monkey. Enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and a delicious dinner to finish your day of exploring.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Its one of the ancient and historical monastery in Ethiopia, Which is lying on northwest of Addis Ababa. The monastery was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, according to tradition; he meditated in a cave for 29 years. The monastery complex sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Abbay River. None of the original buildings of Debre Libanos survive, although David Buxton suspected "there are interesting things still to be found among the neighbouring cliffs." Current buildings include the church over Tekle Haymanot's tomb, which Emperor Haile Selassie ordered constructed in 1961; a slightly older Church of the Cross, where Buxton was told a fragment of the True Cross is preserved; and five religious schools
Portuguese bridge near Debre Libanos was erected by the Portuguese in the 16th century; it was actually built at the turn of the 19th century by Ethiopians, albeit in the old Portuguese style. The narrow span makes a pretty picture and the gushing (in the rainy season) cascade just below it is even more impressive
Jemma River into a large gorge beside Debre Libanos and Fiche. The Jemma joins the Wenchit before reaching the Abbay (Blue Nile) River. Jemma Valley and the surrounding area are well known for the bird watching tours. The main target for bird watcher is the endemic and range restricted Harwood’s Francolin and other possible to spot are; 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. You will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding heart baboon. (In the gorge we will see a variety of vultures - Lamergeyer’s, Ruppell’s and Lappet faced vultures.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick all clients from the hotel, guest house and any other accommodation requested for pick up We will pick all our clients also from Addis Ababa Bole Int Airport based on the flight time We will pick any guests stays in Addis Ababa either from their home or home stays ...
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(4)
This day trip from Addis Ababa was really nice. The monasteries were peaceful and full of history, and the natural views were beautiful. It was a calm and enjoyable experience.
I had a wonderful experience traveling to the Abey with Danakil Tours. The entire trip was very well planned, smooth, and hassle-free. From accommodation to transport and sightseeing, everything was handled professionally, which allowed us to truly enjoy the beauty of the Ethiopia without any stress. A special mention to our guide Aby, who made the trip even more memorable. He was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help. He explained the history and importance of places like the Cellular Gondar in a very engaging way and ensured that everyone in the group was comfortable and enjoying the tour. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend Danakil Tours to anyone planning an Ethiopia trip. Excellent service, well-organized tours, and a fantastic guide like Aby truly make all the difference.
I did this day trip from Addis Ababa and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing days of my trip. The monasteries were really beautiful and had a calm, spiritual feeling to them. The scenery along the way was just as good—green landscapes, fresh air, and a nice break from the busy city. It was well planned and didn’t feel rushed at all.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re truly delighted to hear that you had an incredible 5 days Ethiopia tour experience and enjoyed the beautiful destinations, delicious food, and comfortable accommodations. It means a lot to us that everything felt thoughtfully planned and memorable for you. A special thank you for appreciating our tour manager Solomon. We’re glad his friendly nature, care, and constant support helped make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Your kind words motivate our entire team, and we look forward to planning many more unforgettable trips for you. Regards, Papyrus Tours Team
found papyrus tours travels via the internet, was a bit sceptical at first but the service has been exceptional. All communication via email and WhatsApp. The tour was tailored to suit the needs of my family, we were three adults and three kids. The guides and drivers were excellent. Very patient, knowledgeable and extremely passionate about Ethiopia Special mention rodas has been extremely helpful and all communication and intineries were always sent through timeously. Overall great experience!
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review of your Ethiopia tour experience! We’re truly delighted to hear that your journey with papyrus Tours was unforgettable and filled with memorable moments. It’s great to know that everything—from the itinerary and accommodations to the dining experiences—was well-organized and enjoyable. We’re so glad our team made your trip smooth, fun, and stress-free throughout. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us, and we look forward to planning many more amazing adventures for you in the future. With best regards Mickey
