A rugged gorge, Debre Libanos is home to geladas, lammergeiers and abundant endemic birds. The cliffs are an excellent location to find raptors, while the native forest surrounding the 12th century monastery also offers great forest birding.
Debre Libanos is a dramatic gorge where the Blue Nile River falls over the cliffs of the Jemma Valley. The rugged cliffs and surrounding plateau are an excellent location to find a small population of spectacular gelada baboons, one of Ethiopia’s must see endemic mammals. Unlike in their stronghold in the Simien Mountains, the geladas here are still wary of people, but can be enjoyed grazing, grooming and communicating in a beautiful setting.
From the cliff top path it's often possible to observe a variety of raptors, including Verreaux’s eagle, Ruppell’s and white-backed vultures and the majestic lammergeier, along with white-winged cliff chat, Ruppell’s black chat and white-billed starling.
The areas of natural woodland that surrounds the historic Debre Libanos monastery complex are fantastic for forest birds, including endemics like the Abyssinian woodpecker and slaty flycatcher, banded barbet and black-winged lovebird.
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