Blue Nile Gorge Gelada Baboons and Debre Libanos Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Sululta

  Our first stop takes us out of the city and into the beautiful, rolling plains of Sululta in the Oromia region. Here, we will take a gentle walk through the green highland farmlands to experience authentic Ethiopian countryside life. I will show you how local Oromo farming families traditionally cultivate their land, look after their livestock, and manage crops like teff and barley. It is a wonderful opportunity to step off the beaten path, enjoy the fresh highland air, and take gorgeous photos of the sweeping rural landscape before we continue our drive north.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

  Next, we drive to one of Ethiopia’s most significant religious landmarks, a peaceful 13th-century spiritual site nestled right at the base of a towering cliff. I will guide you inside the modern church to share the fascinating history of Saint Tekle Haymanot and show you the vibrant, breathtaking stained-glass windows. We will also visit the on-site museum together to look at a remarkable collection of ancient ecclesiastical treasures, including centuries-old manuscripts and historic crowns worn by religious leaders. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the deep, living history of Ethiopian Orthodox culture before we head back out into the surrounding canyon nature.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 3
  Portuguese Bridge

  This is where the breathtaking scenery and wildlife truly take center stage. I will guide you on a short, scenic walk down a rocky trail to the historic 16th-century Portuguese Bridge, a beautiful stone-arch structure that crosses a narrow chasm. From the bridge, you will look down into a dramatic, sheer drop where a spectacular waterfall cascades during the wet season. Right here along the grassy cliff edges, we will get up close with wild, endemic herds of Gelada "bleeding-heart" baboons. Because they are peaceful grass-grazers, you can sit nearby and take amazing close-up photos while they play and interact. I will also help you spot unique highland birds, like the Fan-tailed Raven, soaring across the massive canyon walls.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 4

  We conclude our incredible sightseeing adventure by experiencing the sheer scale and grandeur of the massive Jemma River Gorge system. We will stop at a spectacular cliffside viewpoint where you can gaze down into the 600-meter-deep canyon valley, a major tributary of the historic Blue Nile. It is a dream location for panoramic photography. Right on the edge of this breathtaking backdrop, we will enjoy a relaxing, authentic Ethiopian lunch at a cliffside restaurant. I will guide you through a wonderful culinary experience featuring local favorites, ensuring excellent vegetarian and vegan options like traditional Beyaynetu are available. You will have plenty of time to enjoy your meal, sip great coffee, and soak in the jaw-dropping canyon views before we begin our smooth drive back to your hotel in Addis Ababa.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This day tour involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven, unpaved, and rocky dirt trails near the edge of the Jemma River Gorge and around the Portuguese Bridge. The terrain is hilly and sits at a high altitude (above 2,500 meters / 8,200 feet). Because of the altitude and rocky paths, this experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers, individuals with severe back or joint issues, severe knee problems, or anyone with serious heart and respiratory conditions. Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Tags