Debre Libanos and Portuguese bridge excursion

This expedition commences from Addis Ababa, traversing both natural and historical sites. It includes notable landmarks such as the Debre Libanos Monastery, dating back to the 13th century, and the Jemma Gorge. Additionally, visitors will encounter the 17th-century Portuguese Bridge.

Drive north on the Gojjam Road towards Debre Libanos, approximately two hours' drive. Debre Libanos is an essential monastic site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, where the revered 13th-century mystic Saint Teclehaimanot established his monastery. Notably, a modest cave nearby, constructed relatively recently, is believed to be where Saint Teclehaimanot resided for seven years on one leg, causing the other to waste away until it fell off. This historical account intertwines with cultural exploration, allowing visitors to engage in both history and culture while enjoying quality birdwatching opportunities.

As our journey progresses, we traverse the Sululta Plain, where we can witness the traditional Oromo roundhouse, immersing ourselves in the local lifestyle. Additionally, during our route, we encounter various species such as Black-winged Plovers, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Geese, and Common Cranes, among others.

Upon arriving at Debre Libanos, we commence our exploration with a visit to the Jemma Gorge. The Jemma River, a tributary of the Nile, descends dramatically over nearly 1,000 meters to the lower valley. Here, amidst the gorge and surrounding forests, we anticipate spotting the Banded Barbet, Black-headed Forest Oriole, White-billed Starling, Red-billed Starling, White-winged Cliff Chat, White-backed Black Tit, White-cheeked Turaco, and Hemprich's Hornbill. Another unique feature includes seeing one of Ethiopia's endemic mammals—the Gelada or "bleeding-heart" baboon.

Following the exploration of the gorge, we continue our ascent towards the church. Visitors can then ascend to the cave of Saint Teclehaimanot, which houses the remains of some 300 monks slaughtered by Italian invaders in 1936. This event, rather than intimidating, fueled resistance against the regime, marking a turning point in the conflict.

After concluding our visit, we proceed back to Addis Ababa.