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Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour

272 Reviews 4.81 out of 5 stars Based on 272 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 96% of reviewers
96% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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from $80 per person

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Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour Image 1
Another lunch choice
The endemic Gelada Baboon gracing the mountains
White-backed Vulture flying over our tour bus on the way to Debre Libanos
An AC equipped minibus ready for customer pickups
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
7 to 8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 3 more
French, Italian, Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

On this popular road trip, you will pass through beautiful countryside scenery and the real Ethiopian way of life in action - farmers, rural communities, towns cut off from each other. At the destinations, you will visit the ancient Debre Libanos Monastery (and its cave church), the famed ‘Portuguese Bridge’ built in the 1890s, the Nile Gorge with its abundant endemic birdlife and gelada baboons and enjoy a view of Addis Ababa from a viewpoint set at 3,300 meters above sea level (Entoto Mountain).

Please note spotting the Gelada Baboons can be a matter of luck, as they live in an open park.

What's Included

  • Ground transportation including a car, fuel and a driver
  • Pickup and dropoff at any location in Addis Ababa (either Hotel or Airport)
  • Lunch, including a bottle of water and hot drinks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities
See 3 moreSee 4 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Flexible pickup from anywhere in Addis Ababa, including Bole Airport, any hotels or home addresses

OR
Meeting point

Cameroon Street
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

Founded by Ethiopian Saint Abune Tekle Haymanot, within a steep riverine canyon in 1284, Debre Libanos later became the political centre of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and is where Emperor Lebna Dengal received the first Portuguese mission to Ethiopia in 1520. The Italian army destroyed the original church in a 1937 massacre that claimed the lives of 800 monks, deacons and lay worshippers. The modern church, its domed roof decorated with stained-glass windows, remains an important pilgrimage site.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Portuguese Bridge

Although the locals believe the stone-arch Portuguese bridge was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it was actually built in the 1890s by Ras Darge in the old Portuguese style. The narrow span makes a spectacular picture and the gushing (in the rainy season) cascade just below it is very impressive.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Debre Libanos Orthodox Church

You will see the Jemma River Gorge, which is the stating point for the African Great Rift Valley and is one of Ethiopia’s most dramatic stretches of road that starts its serpentine descent to the bottom of the Blue Nile Gorge, 1km below. The gorge is accessed by a road that offers spectacular views, and a pair of bridges cross the river.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Entoto Maryam Church

You will drive by the historic Entoto Church, which in its compound has the first church in/around Addis Ababa. It is a tranquil church with typical ancient architecture of Ethiopian Churches.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Mount Entoto

Entoto is where Addis Ababa was first established. From almost 3,300 meters altitude, the Hill provides a spectacular views of the vast parts of Addis Ababa.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age is 7 years
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EAT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-40378P5

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.81
272 reviews

Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 272 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
239
4 stars
23
3 stars
4
2 stars
2
1 star
4
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EAT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Ground transportation including a car, fuel and a driver.
  • Pickup and dropoff at any location in Addis Ababa (either Hotel or Airport).
  • Lunch, including a bottle of water and hot drinks.
  • Museum and Church Entrance Fees.
  • Accompanying English speaking tour guide.
  • Local guides.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 9. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Ground transportation including a car, fuel and a driver
  • Pickup and dropoff at any location in Addis Ababa (either Hotel or Airport)
  • Lunch, including a bottle of water and hot drinks
  • Museum and Church Entrance Fees
  • Accompanying English speaking tour guide
  • Local guides
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age is 7 years
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name