Overview
A day trip to Debre Libanos is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Addis Ababa, offering a mix of natural beauty, religious history, and cultural exploration.
Located approximately 110 kilometers north of Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos is one of Ethiopia’s most important religious sites and a serene destination for visitors. Debre Libanos was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, a prominent figure in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Itinerary
Depart early morning around 7:00am from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos. On the way, enjoy the picturesque countryside, passing through small towns, farmland, and the Sululta Plain.
Upon arrival, your guide will provide an overview of the monastery's history. Debre Libanos was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, a prominent figure in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The current church was rebuilt in the 1960s after the original was destroyed during an Italian invasion in the 1930s. Learn about the monastery's role as one of Ethiopia's most important religious sites and its connection to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Visit the monastery, which features beautiful stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and Ethiopian saints. Attend a prayer service if your visit coincides with one. Explore the small museum on-site, which houses religious artifacts, manuscripts, and relics related to Saint Tekle Haymanot and observe the daily life of monks and pilgrims who come to pray and seek blessings.
Visit Saint Tekle Haymanot's Cave; a short walk from the monastery takes you to the cave where Saint Tekle Haymanot is said to have prayed for 29 years. The cave is a
sacred site for pilgrims. Visit Debre Libanos Waterfall; a scenic hike (about 30-45 minutes) leads to a beautiful waterfall nearby. The trail offers stunning views of the Jemma River Gorge and is a great spot for photography. Lunch Break; enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a nearby restaurant or picnic spot.
After lunch break: resume the tour with a visit to the historic Portuguese Bridge, a stone bridge built in the 16th century. It is a great spot for photos and offers panoramic views of the gorge. Spend some time around the gorge to observing wildlife such as the endemic Gelada baboons and several bird species.
Finally, begin the return journey to Addis Ababa. Arrive back in the city by early evening, with memories of a peaceful and enriching day trip. End of the tour.
Price Includes
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
Price Excludes
- Lunch and Dinner
- Alcoholic drinks
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
FAQs
Abba Garima Monastery is an Ethiopian Orthodox church, located around five kilometres east of Adwa, in the Mehakelegnaw Zone of the northern Tigray Region in Ethiopia. It was established in the sixth century by one of the Nine Saints, Abba Garima, and built by King Gabra Masqal (also Gebre Meskel).
Debre Libanos is about 100 kilometers north of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The drive from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos takes about two hours.
