Debre Libanos Monastery and Jemma River Gorge - Day Tour from Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa , Ethiopia

Debre Libanos Monastery and Jemma River Gorge - Day Tour from Addis Ababa

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(20 reviews)

7h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Expert tour guide takes you on a 9-hrs private day trip from Addis Ababa. Enjoy beautiful scenery, visit Ethiopia’s biggest monastery, experience unique culture, and wildlife.

Places to visit and things-to-do include: -
- Debre Libanos Monastery
- Magnificent views of Jemma River Gorge
- Portuguese Bridge (16th Cent AD)
- Seeing Gelada Baboons (indigenous to Ethiopia)
- Cultural Ethiopian coffee ceremony
- Visiting traditional villages

With a free hotel/airport pick up, drive 100 km from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos Monastery. Learn about the Ethiopian Orthodox Church religion with a guided tour of the monastery and its rich museum.

Have yummy Ethiopian cuisine for lunch; enjoying the magnificent views of the Jemma River Gorge.

Tour includes private transport with comfortable vehicle, hotel pick up/drop off, professional tour guide, lunch, Coffee Ceremony, bottled water, on-site tour guides, local family visits, and all related taxes.

Price does NOT include entrance fees, etc.

Available options

Debre Libanos Monastery and Jemma River Gorge - Day Tour from Addis Ababa

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Local on-site guides

Bottled water and local snacks in the van

Local family visits

Professional experienced English speaking tour guide

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Attendance and Coffee

Ethiopian meals at a local restaurant

Detailed itinerary

Drive 100 km north of Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos Monastery - the biggest monastery of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity in Ethiopia founded in the 13th Century AD.

Visit the Portuguese Bridge (16th Century AD), explore the spectacular scenery of the Jemma River Gorge, indulge in the local culture of the Oromo people, and see the Ethiopian endemic mammal - Gelada Baboon,

What's not included

Entrance fees and any other expenses not mentioned in the "Included" list above

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If you are visiting between June and September, expect wet weather and be prepared accordingly

If you are not eating Ethiopian food at small local restaurants, please bring packed lunch with you

Women are expected to be fully dressed and cover hairs when visiting the Debre Libanos Monastery

Important notes

• Dress code - when visiting Debre Libanos Monastery, women are expected to be fully dressed and cover hairs
• When booking the tour, please describe meeting time and place

About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a vibrant and historically rich city nestled in the highlands of the Horn of Africa. Known as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country, it offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Ethiopian culture.

Top Attractions

Entoto Mountain

A scenic mountain offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding highlands. It's a great spot for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Nature Half day to full day Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Addis Ababa Museum

A museum showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Ethiopia, including artifacts from the ancient kingdom of Aksum and the medieval Solomonic dynasty.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (around 100 ETB or 3 USD)

Mercato

One of the largest open-air markets in Africa, offering a vast array of goods, from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and livestock.

Market Half day Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

St. George's Cathedral

A historic cathedral built in the 19th century, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate architecture.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Doro Wat

A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, and hard-boiled eggs.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Injera

A sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, used as both a utensil and a base for other dishes.

Staple Vegan

Tibs

Sautéed cubes of meat, often served with vegetables and spices.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Shiro

A chickpea or lentil-based stew, often spiced with berbere or mitmita.

Stew Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Entoto Mountain Boating in Lake Bishoftu Coffee ceremony Spa and wellness treatments Visiting museums and historical sites Attending traditional music and dance performances N/A Participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony

Best Time to Visit

October to June

This period offers the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F) 54°F to 79°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Amharic
Widely spoken: English, Oromo
English: Moderately spoken in urban areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Addis Ababa is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By bus

Addis Ababa Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded. Tickets are purchased on board.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ride

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Piazza District Bole District Mercato District

Day trips

Debre Berhan

130 km (80 miles) from Addis Ababa • Full day

A historic town known for its beautiful church and traditional Ethiopian architecture.

Lake Bishoftu

40 km (25 miles) from Addis Ababa • Half day to full day

A series of volcanic lakes known for their scenic beauty and birdlife.

Festivals

Timket (Epiphany) • January 19 Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) • September 27

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Amharic to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Hire a local guide for a more authentic and insightful experience, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites
Try traditional Ethiopian coffee and participate in a coffee ceremony for a unique cultural experience
Bargain politely when shopping in markets, as it is a common practice
Be patient and flexible, as punctuality and schedules can be more relaxed in Ethiopia