Day Trip from Addis Ababa: Historical Monasteries & Scenic Nature

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Debre Libanos

  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

  3 hours • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Portuguese Bridge

  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

  3 hours • Admission ticket included
• 3
  Portuguese Bridge

  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.

  3 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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