Africa
Ethiopia
Oromiya Region
Debre Libanos
Things to Do in Debre Libanos
Portuguese Bridge
See all things to do

Portuguese Bridge

See all things to do
See all things to do
Portuguese Bridge
4.5
About
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Portuguese Bridge
See all
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 3 miles
Ethio-German Park Hotel Restaurant
40
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Ethiopian
See all
Attractions
1 within 6 miles
Debre Libanos
37
2.7 miReligious Sites
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
37 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
9
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Alex S
Deventer, The Netherlands551 contributions
Ridiculous entrance fee, not worth a visit
Nov 2019
The portugese bridge is a tourist trap. You can see the bridge without paying any entrance fee. To get to the bridge and stand on it, they asked 15 USD entrance fee. A total rip-off. I refused to pay the money and retraced my steps. The gelada baboons were just outside the entrance gate and I enjoyed thm for an hour or so. For free.....
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meklit Bekele
Ethiopia76 contributions
The geographical features is breathtaking.
Jun 2022 • Friends
The geographical features is breathtaking, I had an amazing time, also went to see the caves which were built in the 16th century, by the famous war lord Geragne Ahmed. I would definitely visit the place again, because the hiking was so much fun. But I was disappointed by the tour guides, they asked for more price than usual, anyhow learn from this and negotiate about the price before starting the tour.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ADB
Washington DC, DC7 contributions
Day Trip to Portuguese Bridge - May 2021
May 2021
What an amazing adventure to the Debre Libanos area. During my recent visit to Addis Ababa, I made the 2 hour long ride to the area. The drive allowed me to take in the country-side views and through several rural and adventurous townships. Once the driver arrived I took a short, rugged walk to the Portuguese Bridge. The bridge has a historical presence, however, the most spectacular view was overlooking the Jemma Valley. What a stunning view (which reminds me of the USA Grand Canyon). A waterfall sits in the foreground that you can easily navigate and capture some amazing pictures. Also, I had lunch at the Sherer View Resort which overlooks the Jemma Valley. This is a must visit if you are in the area. The local foods are fit for the occasion. You will not be disappointed with your visit.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikayewood
Kochi (Cochin), India6 contributions
Portuguese bridge near Debre Libanos
Aug 2016 • Couples
This ancient bridge made of rock with two arches was built by Portuguese soldiers in the 16th century and is very scenic as the river it crosses plunges hundreds of feet down a water fall into a deep valley formed by one of the tributaries to the Blue Nile river. The bridge was made from ostrich egg shells and vegetable oil as cement had not yet been invented! There is a path lined with colourful wild flowers going to the bridge about 500m past the entrance to a small lodge where one can stay and there is also a cafe and bar with fabulous views across the valley. One can walk to the bridge from the main road and then walk back along a scenic path to the lodge. Along this path one can often see Lamergyers soaring on thermals from a cliff face not far away. There are many other birds too. There are photographs of raptors to be seen here displayed in the cafe. Looking down one can see terraced fields and small villages and a church. There is a charge of 30 birr payable at a small hut above the bridge.
This visit could be combined with a visit to the nearby Debre Libanos monastery where one can see the cave where the revered holy man Tekle Haimanot stood on one leg to pray for several years. There is a spring with holy water said to cure several ailments and much visited by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.
Written September 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muluken G
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia246 contributions
Super view with historical monument
Jul 2018 • Business
I have visited the Portuguese Bridge many times for business purpose. I always love the scenery which is more beautiful during the Ethiopian rainy season (June to September) as it would also offer powerful waterfall.
Entrance fee for foreign visitors is 45 Ethiopian Birr per person and there is a local guide payment of 200 ETB. If you are visiting the Portuguese Bridge in a day tour from Addis Ababa, there are no big restaurants serving European meals. You may want to bring packed lunch with you if not eating Ethiopian meals at small local restaurants.
Written July 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muluken G
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia246 contributions
Historical building leading to the exotic Ethiopian wildlife and fantastic views of fascinating landscape views!
Aug 2023 • Business
Portuguese Bridge is a must-stop site if you are near Debre Libanos Monastery. Cross the bridge by walking to the best viewpoint where you can enjoy one of the picturesque scenes around Addis Ababa!
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KrisBerw
Ghent, Belgium483 contributions
Not the worst place for a coffee
Jan 2020
Extraordinary excursion to the church of Debre Libanos, and then the descent to the Blue Nile to see the Portuguese bridge. Unreal landscape, the cradle of mankind.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MakkiVakki
47 contributions
Stone bridge in the middle of nowhere
Oct 2018 • Friends
It is said that Portuguese bridge is one of the top destinations within the area. Well, it is just a small stone bridge that was not even built by Portuguese. On the other hand, the view to the gorge is excellent and there are plenty of Gelado Monkeys around. A worth to have a day trip from Addis (just for the scenery and seeing the reality outside the city) but if you are waiting for wow experience of seeing the bridge, don’t bother.
Written February 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sup409
West New York, NJ351 contributions
Better Than Expected!!!!??
Oct 2018 • Couples
We went to the Portuguese Bridge on a whim to kill sometime in the day before flying out in the afternoon. Based ob the reviews I read I almost skipped it. Thank god I didn’t because it turned out to be alit better than expected. The trip was about 2-1/2 hours from Addis, so a little long. When we got there, they give you a guide to explore the area. Beautiful place to take some breathtaking pictures and who would of known there are a few beautiful waterfalls on the rear side of the bridge including some baboons along the way. I was really impressed in the whole area in general especially the beautiful views. All I can say is take the trip to the bridge, you won’t regret it. Recommended.....
Written October 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Weak Knee Traveler
Singapore, Singapore11,769 contributions
Good spot for Pics
Nov 2019 • Solo
The bridge is part of a pretty gorge and from the bridge, there is a nice view of the gorge and a great place for taking pics.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2
3
Showing results 1-10 of 25
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Portuguese Bridge - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Portuguese Bridge

Portuguese Bridge Information

Excellent Reviews

20

Very Good Reviews

9

Portuguese Bridge Photos

98