Debre Libanos Monestaries, Blue Nile & Jemma River Gorge Tours – 2 Days
Tour Overview:
Experience the perfect blend of history, spirituality, and stunning natural landscapes on this 2-day tour from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos and the Blue Nile Gorge. Travel through the lush Entoto Hills, explore Ethiopia’s most revered monastery, and take in breathtaking views over the Jemma River and the vast Blue Nile Gorge. Along the way, enjoy local culture, short hikes, and beautiful highland panoramas — an ideal escape for travelers looking to explore beyond the capital in just two days.
Tour Highlights:
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Scenic drive through the Entoto Hills with panoramic views of Addis Ababa
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Visit to the Debre Libanos Monastery, one of Ethiopia’s most important religious sites
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Explore the Tekle Haimanot Cave, a sacred pilgrimage site
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Walk to Ras Darge’s historic bridge, nestled in a dramatic setting
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Overnight stay overlooking the stunning Jemma River Gorge
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Drive down to the majestic Blue Nile Gorge, descending nearly 1,400 meters
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Opportunity for cultural interaction and photography stops along the way
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos (110 km / ~2 hours)
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After breakfast, we pick you up from your hotel and begin our journey north out of Addis Ababa.
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We drive through the Entoto Hills, offering sweeping views of the capital and surrounding highlands.
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Along the way, we’ll stop for a traditional buna (Ethiopian coffee) or shai (tea) at a local café and take time to enjoy the scenery and photograph daily life in the countryside.
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By late morning, we arrive near Debre Libanos and check into our hotel, where you’ll enjoy lunch overlooking the spectacular Jemma River Gorge.
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In the afternoon, we visit the Debre Libanos Monastery, founded in the 13th century, and explore its impressive new museum.
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A short but steep path leads us to the Tekle Haimanot Cave, where the saint is said to have prayed for years.
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Before sunset, we take a peaceful walk from the lodge to Ras Darge’s Bridge, a stone bridge tucked into the gorge and rich with history.
Overnight: Lodge or hotel near Debre Libanos with scenic views.
Day 2: Debre Libanos – Blue Nile Gorge – Addis Ababa (214 km / ~5 hours)
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After a relaxed breakfast, we continue our journey to the Blue Nile Gorge, a highlight of Ethiopian geography.
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In just 1.5 hours, we reach the edge of the gorge, where the landscape opens into a dramatic descent.
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We follow a 20-kilometer winding road that takes us from 2,450 meters down to the new Blue Nile Bridge at 1,080 meters above sea level — offering some of the most spectacular views in the country.
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After a short stop at the bridge for photos and exploration, we begin our return journey to Addis Ababa, arriving in the late afternoon.
Includes:
- Airport transfers and road transport by private car
- Full board, including mineral water.
- Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
- Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
- Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
