Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos: Monastery, Gelada Baboons & Waterfalls

Summary

Debre Libanos monastery hike wild baboons birds waterfalls taste coffee

You’ll wander ancient monastery grounds near Addis Ababa, spot wild Gelada baboons in Jemma Valley, hear waterfalls thunder under Portuguese Bridge, and share spicy Ethiopian lunch with locals. Expect moments that stick with you—like smoky coffee sipped roadside or a baboon’s steady gaze.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light hit the stone walls of Debre Libanos monastery — kind of golden, but also a little harsh, like it hadn’t quite decided if it was going to be gentle or not. Our guide, Samuel, greeted us with that quiet smile Ethiopians seem to have. He told us Saint Tekle Haymanot meditated here for 29 years. I tried to imagine that kind of patience while we wandered past monks in deep blue robes and kids chasing each other around the courtyard. There’s this faint scent of incense mixed with earth — not strong, just there if you pay attention.

We walked out toward the edge where the land just drops away into the Jemma Valley. Birds everywhere — honestly, I’m not even a bird person but Samuel pointed out a White-cheeked Turaco and suddenly I cared. The air felt different up there, cooler and almost sharp. Then came the real surprise: a whole troop of Gelada baboons lounging on the rocks below us, picking through grass with those weirdly human hands. One looked up and stared right at me for what felt like ages. I still think about that moment sometimes.

Lunch was injera (sour and spongy) with spicy lentils at this tiny place near the road — nothing fancy but somehow perfect after hiking down toward the old Portuguese bridge. The waterfall was louder than I expected; you could feel it in your chest when you stood close enough for the spray to hit your face. We lingered there longer than planned because nobody really wanted to leave yet. On the drive back to Addis Ababa, Samuel stopped for coffee by a cluster of grass huts — strong and smoky, served in tiny cups while kids waved at our van through dusty windows. Kind of hard to describe why that felt important, but it did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit monastery, nature, and wildlife

• Travel northwest from Addis Ababa
• Visit ancient Debre Libanos monastery
• Explore monastery churches and museum
• See Portuguese bridge and waterfalls
• Observe Jemma Valley bird watching
• Spot endemic Gelada baboons

Top questions

How far is Debre Libanos from Addis Ababa?

Debre Libanos is northwest of Addis Ababa and can be reached by car in about 2 hours.

Can you see Gelada baboons on this day trip?

Yes, Gelada (bleeding heart) baboons are often seen in the gorge near Debre Libanos.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, an Ethiopian lunch is included, with options for vegan and vegetarian travelers.

What birds might I see in Jemma Valley?

You may spot endemic species like Harwood’s Francolin and White-cheeked Turaco among others.

Is hotel pickup provided from Addis Ababa?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in Addis Ababa for this day trip.

Are entry fees covered?

All attraction fees are included in the tour price.

Is Ethiopian coffee part of the experience?

Yes, you’ll have a chance to try traditional Ethiopian coffee during your day trip.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 6 years old; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Addis Ababa, all entry fees at Debre Libanos monastery and surrounding sites, bottled water along the way, an Ethiopian lunch (with vegan and vegetarian options), plus time for traditional coffee before heading back in the evening.