Debre Libanos, an important monastic centre for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, was founded in the 13th century mystic by Saint Teklehaimanot. A small cave near the church where he is believed to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other wasted away and dropped off.
In addition to the rich history and culture in this tour, one can enjoy bird watching in the Sululta Plains, home to Wattled Ibis, Black-winged plovers, Blue-winged geese, Wheat ears, Common Cranes. The plains is also home to the Gelada or bleeding heart baboon, Ethiopia’s endemic mammals. Vultures mainly Lammergeyer, Ruppell and Lappet faced can be seen in the Jemma gorge.
Leaving the Gorge we proceed to the church. After the church visit we can make the climb to the cave of St Teklehaimanot. Near the cave monks may show visitors the remains of some 300 monks, slaughtered in 1936 by the Italian invaders. If you continue up the hill from the cave from the top there is a great view of the surrounding countryside. We will have picnic at Gorge or from Ethio- German Lodge. Walk to Portuguese Bridge of the 16thc during the war between Lowland Muslim and Highland Christian, built to connect Shewa and Gojam then retrace to Addis.
End of Program
