Addis Ababa & Debre Libanos Excursions

Day 01: Arrival and Addis Ababa City Tour

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be met by an Enat Ethiopia Tours representative and transferred to your reserved hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we offer several sightseeing options to explore the capital’s rich history and culture.

Visit Mount Entoto for panoramic views of Addis Ababa and a breath of fresh highland air. Continue to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, where artifacts from across the country reflect Ethiopia’s diverse heritage.

Explore the National Museum, home to the famous 3.5-million-year-old fossil of Lucy, and Trinity Cathedral — the ornate burial site of imperial family members and national heroes. End the day at the Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Accommodation: Hotel, Addis Ababa

View from Mount Entoto overlooking Addis Ababa.

Day 02: Day Trip Excursion to Debre Libanos

After breakfast, depart Addis Ababa heading north to Debre Libanos (approx. 2.5 hours drive, 132 km each way). The monastery is one of Ethiopia’s most important religious sites, featuring a museum with ancient treasures of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Take a scenic walk to the “Portuguese Bridge,” offering stunning views over the canyon. Historians debate its origin — some attribute it to the 16th-century Portuguese presence, others to Emperor Menelik’s uncle in the 19th century.

After crossing the bridge, enjoy views of a 60-meter-high waterfall and spot endemic Gelada monkeys and birds of prey. Return to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with cultural music, dance, and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Accommodation: Hotel, Addis Ababa

Debre Libanos Monastery, a spiritual and historical landmark north of Addis Ababa.

Mount Entoto: Gateway to Addis Ababa’s Origins

Mount Entoto was once the capital of Ethiopia before Addis Ababa was founded. It offers sweeping views of the city and houses historic churches and Emperor Menelik II’s palace. The eucalyptus forests and crisp air make it a refreshing escape from the urban bustle.

Lucy: Ethiopia’s Most Famous Ancestor

The National Museum of Ethiopia is home to the fossilized remains of Lucy, a 3.5-million-year-old hominid that reshaped our understanding of human evolution. Her discovery in the Afar region cemented Ethiopia’s place as a cradle of humanity.

Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge

Founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, Debre Libanos is a revered pilgrimage site. The nearby Portuguese Bridge offers dramatic views of the canyon and waterfall, and is surrounded by legends of foreign influence and imperial engineering.

Gelada Monkeys and Highland Wildlife

The cliffs around Debre Libanos are home to Gelada monkeys, known for their red chest patches and complex social behavior. Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting raptors like lammergeiers and eagles soaring above the gorge.

Gelada monkeys near Debre Libanos, endemic to Ethiopia’s highlands.