Owned by philanthropist Nick Crane, Simien Lodge is our accommodation of choice for this impressive national park, one of Ethiopia's World Heritage sites thanks to its incredible landscapes and endemic wildlife and flora.
The hotel is situated right at the start of the escarpment often described as a 'single- sided Grand Canyon'. It is the continent's highest-lying hotel, at 3260m altitude. So do bear in mind that nights can be very chilly in autumn and winter months. (There is underfloor heating to warm the chalets or 'tukuls').
The main rooms have two comfortable extra wide single beds and the family rooms have a double bed in the main room and two singles in the separate lounge. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms.
The lodge has 10 mountain bikes for hire. Some wonderful walks can be done in the area: culture enthusiasts with a reasonable level of fitness might want to do the 5 hour walk to Saddique Amba (the walk takes two hours downhill and then three hours back up and the cliff location of this monastery is incredible). Alternatively, various circuits can be chosen from for those more keen on natural history.
Please note: the lodge is open during the rainy season (July-August) but because the solar heating doesn't function as well then (little sun), it is suited then only for hardy travellers.
It is not suitable for people who are prone to altitude sickness.