Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery

If you want to get a glimpse into Ethiopia out of Addis Abeba this professionally organized trip is highly recommended. Everything on the itinerary was a great chance to dive into the spirituality of the Ethiopians and the stunning nature of their country. The vegetarian lunch close to Portuguese bridge was very tasty and came with an incredible view. The drive to the destinations is a good chance to see local life.

The trip to the monastery Debre Libanos and the Portuguese Bridge is a great opportunity to see rural life of the country. This tour gave me a glimpse of the area north of Addis Abeba. Visiting the monastery with a monk as a guide is a real experience. I’ve got enough time to see everything. All my questions and requests to the guide were accepted and so no questions remained. The vegetarian meal at Portuguese Bridge came with a view and was great. Driving was save and big fun.

This is our second time with tour guide Alex and driver Atsede. We had a city tour last time. This time we're going outside Addis Ababa. Our flight was delayed and there was a huge chaos due to the last day of Ethiopian holiday. Alex has been communicating with me perfectly before my flight landed and has given me clear instructions where to meet up. It was a very long drive to Debre Libanos. Both Alex and Atsede have made the ride relaxing and comfortable. Alex has told us in advance what we're going to see and expect. We were also given enough time for photo taking. After seeing the orthodox church, we walked up to the mountain to visit the monastery. Alex had a talk to the head of the monks so we were allowed to see the main part of the monastery. Alex told us stories and history about the monastery. After that we went to find Gelada baboons and we were lucky enough to see some of the Ethiopian-only species. We then had an authentic injera lunch in a local restaurant in the rural area. We had some nice chats together while enjoying the amazing valley view. Alex has been asking us if we would like to see more in Ethiopia. He also offered to take us to see some traditional dance in the evening. Sadly we had to pass as we needed some rest before we got on another long flight after our 2 week holiday in Asia. It has been wonderful with Alex and Atsede. They made our visit safe, comfortable and special. We had better time in Ethiopia than we could ever wish for. I would definitely choose them again if we have the chance to visit Ethiopia for another time.

I would really recommend this daytrip. Communication for arranging the trip was very clear and proffesional. Kiru the guide was attentive, sharing his knowledge, good conversation and making the day enjoyable overall. The scenery is very beautiful throughout the drive and at the destination and the lunch spot is perfect with delicious ethiopian cuisine. Its a brilliant day out of the city.

The experience couldn’t be better. Since the beginning the company was extremely professional and friendly. The tour with Alex and Atsede was amazing, Alex knows a lot about Ethiopian history, culture and nature. They were extremely friendly, gentle and kind, even offered me an authentic Ethiopian coffee. The monastery is not only beautiful but peaceful with a strong good energy. Portuguese bridge and all the landscapes by the side are marvelous.Lunch was perfect. I’m very happy to have chosen this company for this day trip and I wish all the success for all of you guys.

Alex is almost like the Encyclopedia Britannica; he simply knows almost everything. But he also lets you explore on your own without overwhelming you. And what he does tell you, he does with great joy and enthusiasm. The drive to the monastery was very interesting. The landscape is mainly characterized by agriculture. The monastery is especially beautiful when many worshippers are visiting. The valley, the Rift Valley, and the hike to the Portuguese Bridge were fantastic. There you have a breathtaking view of the valley. The food was truly excellent and prepared by a very friendly cook. A competent driver brought us home, leaving us satisfied. A small highlight was also the visit to the market, which Alex arranged for us as an extra. Many thanks for that. The value for money was very good.

​After the bustling streets of Addis Ababa, this trip was just perfect for a Sunday escape that combined fresh mountain air with incredible scenery. The trip to Debre Libanos and the Portuguese Bridge exceeded every expectation. It was the perfect blend of nature, history, and effortless logistics. ​Just like the best travel experiences, it’s the people who make it. Sitting behind the driver Atse and the guide Kiru was a joy; she is a total professional behind the wheel, making the drive through the winding highland roads feel smooth and safe. Her energy set the perfect tone for the day. Kiru was equally phenomenal. His knowledge of the monastery’s history and the local ecosystem is deep, and he has a natural gift for storytelling. He knew exactly where to find the best vantage points without making the day feel rushed. ​Highlights of the Day: ​The Gelada Baboons: We spent a good amount of time watching the "Bleeding Heart" baboons grazing peacefully along the cliff edge and even at a second location. They are incredibly calm, allowing for some of the best wildlife photos I’ve ever taken. ​The Portuguese Bridge: Standing on this 16th-century bridge overlooking the massive Jemma River Gorge is breathtaking. The scale of the canyon is something you have to see to believe. ​Spiritual Heritage: Visiting the Debre Libanos monastery offered a beautiful insight into Ethiopian Orthodox culture. The stained glass and the peaceful atmosphere of the church were deeply moving. ​Recommendation: ​If you need a break from the hectic pace of Addis, this is the trip for you. With Atse’s expert driving and Kiru’s insightful guiding, you feel completely looked after. You should definitley try to get these two for your tour! It’s an accessible, secure, and soul-recharging day out. Don't forget your camera and be prepared for some stunning views—and maybe a celebratory coffee on the road.

We left Addis Ababa in the morning with our guide Alex. We began with a guided tour of the Debre Libanos monastery. It's a place steeped in history, which our guide Alex was great at explaining to us. We then had lunch in a place with a magnificent view, and finished with a walk (about 1h) to the protuguese bridge. The walk was magnificent, and so was the landscape. We highly recommend this day with Addis Authentic Tours. Many thanks to Alex and Mulu for the organization.

I had a lay over in Addis Ababa. So I decided to get out of town for a day trip. Alex meet me at the Skylight Hotel at 8am and we headed north. Had a amazing tour and saw so many wonderful things. Lunch was great with the best view in Ethiopia. Highly recommend.