Full Day Debre Libanos & the Jemma River George Tour
Tour Highlights
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Spot endemic and migratory birds across the scenic Sululta Plains
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Encounter the iconic Gelada baboons, known as the “bleeding heart monkeys”
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Visit the sacred Debre Libanos Monastery, a major center of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
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Hike to the legendary Cave of Saint Teklehaimanot
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Discover powerful history tied to Ethiopia’s resistance against Italian occupation
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Walk across the stunning Portuguese Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the Jemma River Gorge
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Observe majestic birds of prey, including Lammergeier, Rüppell’s, and Lappet-faced vultures
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Optional lunch at the scenic Ethio-German Lodge
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Full-Day: Nature, History & Culture Combined
Morning Departure from Addis Ababa:
Start your journey heading north through the Sululta Plains, a hotspot for birdwatchers. Along the way, spot:
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Black-winged plovers
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Wattled ibis (endemic)
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Blue-winged geese (endemic)
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Common cranes, wheatears, and other seasonal migrants
You may also encounter the Gelada baboons, Ethiopia’s unique, grass-eating primates with their striking red chest patch.
Debre Libanos Monastery & Saint Teklehaimanot’s Cave:
After a 110 km drive from Addis Ababa, arrive at Debre Libanos Monastery, an important religious site founded in the 13th century by Saint Teklehaimanot.
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Visit the modern church and adjacent museum.
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Hike to St. Teklehaimanot’s cave, where he is said to have prayed standing on one leg for seven years.
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Nearby, monks may show you remains of over 300 monks massacred by Italian forces in 1936—a poignant reminder of Ethiopia’s past.
Portuguese Bridge & Gorge Views:
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Walk to the 16th-century Portuguese Bridge, possibly built during the Christian-Muslim conflicts to connect Shewa and Gojjam.
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Take in spectacular panoramic views of the Jemma River Gorge—a photographer’s dream.
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Watch for raptors soaring overhead, such as Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Rüppell’s vulture, and Lappet-faced vulture.
Lunch & Return to Addis Ababa:
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the gorge or a meal at the nearby Ethio-German Lodge, then return to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon.
Includes
Fees
Excludes
Flights
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