HIGHEST LODGE
Stay in Africa’s highest lodge, perched at a lofty 3,300 metres just inside the entrance to Simien Mountains National Park.
Rooms are in round, thatched-roofed huts or tukuls, traditionally styled and thoughtfully appointed with solar-powered underfloor heating for those crisp mountain nights. Stay here on your luxury, tailor-made holiday to Ethiopia, and you’ll find yourself within striking distance of the best trekking opportunities – including the famous climb to Mt. Dashen. Mountain bikes are on hand for guest use, as well as camping gear.
Some of the park’s wildlife can be found nowhere else on earth. As you explore, keep an eye out for Walia ibex, hyenas, tawny eagles, gelada baboons and the elusive Simien wolf. History buffs can also check out the ancient monastery of Saddique Amba, clinging precariously onto a sheer cliff, and discover the centuries-old Deresge Maryam church. Retire after an absorbing day to Simien’s warm and inviting bar, the highest place to get a drink in Africa!
SIMIEN LODGE, SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Simien Lodge, at a glance
- Comfortable lodge set on an escarpment high in the Simiens Mountain National Park
- Choice of charming, stone-built tukels – round houses with thatched roofs
- Quaint, semi-circular rooms with large windows and comfy twin or double beds
- Traditional Ethiopian decor and original oil paintings
- Ensuite bathrooms with hot showers
- Sheltered balconies with vast, panoramic views over the escarpment
- Circular restaurant with log fire centrepiece, serving an a la carte menu of Ethiopian and European food, plus bar with central fireplace
- Packed lunches can be prepared for guests embarking on a day’s adventure
For leisure and pleasure
- Easy access to the incredible wilderness of Simien Mountains National Park
- Mountain and escarpment trekking through stunning scenery, forests and grasslands
- Hiking around Imet Gogo, Bwahit and campsites at Geech, Sankabur and Chennuk
- Wildlife excursions to see gelada baboons, hyenas, leopards, Simien wolves, ibex and birds like lammergeyer and tawny eagles
- Mountain biking and camping gear hire
- Climbing to the summit of Ras Daschen
- Extreme sports like canyoning and base jumping
- Cultural visits to meet local communities
- Fabulous champagne lunch on the escarpment
A hugely enjoyable nine-day trip, expertly organised from start to finish. The itinerary covered everything we wanted to see and do, with excellent guides, drivers and seamless logistics throughout. The documentation was clear and helpful, and the London office was consistently responsive, knowledgeable and efficient.
