Hotels in Ethiopia | Timbuktu Travel

Simien Lodge

Simien Mountains

26 Rooms

From $90 per person/night

Tall peaks, dark ravines and sheer cliffs – lose your breath in the Simiens

Welcome to the Simien Mountains, where millions of years of erosion have carved dramatic pinnacles, tiered mountainsides and dizzying ravines. You'll need a base from which to explore the plateau, so book yourself a room in the heart of it all, at Simian Mountain Lodge. It's located just six kilometres inside the western gate of Simien Mountains National Park, at 3,200 metres. There's vast network of trails – follow them on one- or multi-day treks to trace the phenomenal geography and meet fascinating wildlife that's found nowhere else in the world, from zany gelada baboons to the shy Ethiopian wolf.

Jinka Resort

Omo Valley

10 Rooms

From $30 per person/night

A simple but colourful lodge in Ethiopia's culturally rich south.

The Lower Omo Valley is home to eight distinct groups of people who each carve out a simple, rural existence amid a beautiful but brutal landscape. Sadly, their way of life is increasingly threatened by development, one being the construction of a hydroelectric dam that is slowly destroying the habitat. Meanwhile, these ancient people maintain their distinct languages, dress and customs. Jinka lies en route to the area, and travellers usually overnight in the town. Jinka Resort, with its green grounds a short distance from the town centre, is the smartest rest option available.

Hotel Maribela

Lalibela

20 Rooms

From $80 per person/night

Prepare to be blown away by Ethiopia's raw and powerful rock-hewn churches

It may come as a surprise, but Ethiopia was one of the first places to adopt Christianity – way back in the fourth century. The northern town of Lalibela (700 kilometres by road or an hour's flight from Addis Ababa) is one of the best preserved and holiest places in the country. Its fame is thanks to its 11 churches, hand-carved from the natural rock, which date back as far as the sixth century. The Maribela Hotel is probably the most comfortable accommodation in the region, with its spacious rooms and wide views of the extarordinary highlands.

Gondar Landmark Hotel

Gondar

70 Rooms

From $60 per person/night

Sundowners on the terrace offer the best views of Gondar – Ethiopia's royal city

Picture yourself on the balcony of Gondar Landmark Hotel – beneath you lies the sprawl of Gondar, its legendary castle and ruins, its churches, plazas (evidence of Ethiopia's Italian occupation) and, yes, the trappings of modern life. The hotel itself stands imposingly on the city's northern hillsides. The interior may not be quite as remarkable, but Gondar Landmark is certainly a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the local historical attractions, such as Fasil Ghebbi – said to be the seat of Ethiopian emperors (and a fair amount of discord), and a handful of interesting markets and eateries.

Sabean Hotel

Axum

44 Rooms

From $40 per person/night

The Ark of the Covenant may rest here – come and find out

Considered the most sacred city in Ethiopia, Aksum (also Axum) is the capital of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, a place to which the devoted still make their pilgrimage and archaeologists are drawn. It's famous for the mysterious stone obelisks, or stelae – tall needle-like structures embellished with detailed carvings and symbols – scattered across this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aksum overflows with treasures: underground tombs where royalty were buried and a church that's supposedly home to the Ark of the Covenant. Make the Sabean Hotel your base – it's a decent, reliable option, with round-the-clock service and a convenient city-centre location.

Abay Minch Lodge

Bahir Dar

44 Rooms

From $40 per person/night

Lush garden sanctuary near Ethiopia's Lake Tana and ornate historical sites

Abay Minch Lodge sits on the outskirts of Bahir Dar, a modestly sized city on the southern banks of Lake Tana in northern Ethiopia. It's an ideal spot to explore the lake's intriguing monasteries, of which there are some 20 or so, mostly dating to the 14th century and filled with paintings and other treasures. Also nearby are the Blue Nile Falls, an important locale for the lake's endemic species (no crocs here!). The lodge offers good service and tranquillity in its lush gardens dotted with stone bungalows – you may even glimpse a turaco, hornbill or a vermilion paradise-flycatcher.

Capital Hotel & Spa

Addis Ababa

114 Rooms

From $150 per person/night

Tip-top service and irresistible coffee in Ethiopia's pulsing city centre

Entering the palatial lobby of this international-grade hotel is like walking into a province of calm and competence. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, is a beguiling city, but it's an energetic one, so it's good to escape the throngs. The staff at Capital Hotel & Spa, in the city's heart, will soon make you comfortable with their expert service and know-how. This is an ideal stopover if you're en route to the country's ruins and other archaeological delights, or heading for the dramatic landscapes of the highlands.

Korkor Lodge

Gheralta

12 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

Ethiopia's intriguing north, where ancient cultures and geography collide.

While historic sites like Lalibela attract the lion's share of attention and tourist traffic in Ethiopia, the Tigray region sits peacefully beyond the fray. It's bequeathed with an absolute bounty – 140-odd churches and archaeological sites, most of which are built into the sandy strata of the Gheralta Mountains. Italian-owned Korkor Lodge sits in the heart of Tigray, with stunning views of the escarpment and ideal access to dozens of sites. Here, even the landscape is spiritually uplifting. At Korkor, the ecofriendly ethos, friendly hospitality and encyclopedic knowledge of local history and geology make the lodge a great destination.

Planet Hotel

Danakil Depression

80 Rooms

From $50 per person/night

Cool comfort and good amenities en route to Earth's toughest desert.

Edging the Ethiopia's northeastern border, the Afar region is sometimes referred to as the Cradle of Humanity (it's where Lucy, the famous 3.2-million-year-old hominin, was found). Much more widely known, however, is its status as the hottest place on the planet. With year-round temperatures ranging between 24°C and 40°C, the Danakil Depression in the north wins this inauspicious designation. Obviously, travelling here is not for the faint-hearted. But one needn't suffer while journeying either. The Planet Hotel in Mekele, the region's largest city, has modern facilities with all the amenities needed to gird you for the (admittedly long) road ahead.

Limalimo Lodge

Simien Mountains

12 Rooms

From $220 per person/night

Bags of style and front-row access to Ethiopia's misty Simien Mountains.

Ethiopia is a country that has only recently emerged from the shadows to capture the attention of world travellers. And yet this mysterious land has many, many treasures to offer, from other-worldly landscapes and endemic wildlife to ancient cities and cultures. Take a magic-carpet ride, and come to Limalilo Lodge, one of Ethiopia's newest, most chic retreats. Enjoy easy access to the Simien Mountains, and wallow in the dramatic views. The jagged peaks and deep canyons offer great hiking, and the plateaus are home to an assortment of endemic animals. This lodge combines simple luxury with a healthy community-development programme.

Emerald Resort

Omo Valley

84 Rooms

From $90 per person/night

A large hotel from which to enjoy the awe and grandeur of Ethiopia's dynamic south.

Lying 850 kilometres south of Addis, Emerald Resort straddles a hilltop between two of Ethiopia's Rift Valley lakes, Abaya and Chamo, and overlooks the dense forest of Netch Sar National Park. Perfectly placed for excursions into the area, it's also the gateway to the remote southern villages and ancient cultures of the otherworldly Omo Valley. This is an area of exceptional natural beauty, and the resort has been designed to take advantage of it all. Surrounded by lush gardens and equipped with every luxury you might need, Emerald offers smart service, accommodation you'll enjoy, and some exciting attractions.

Lalibela Lodge

Lalibela

15 Rooms

From $50 per person/night

Dependable comfort near Ethiopia's ancient, exquisitely hewn rock churches

Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's most impressive architectural sites, is still an important place of pilgrimage for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, who flock to worship at its 11 rust-coloured churches excavated and crafted from the rock in the late 12th century. The craftsmanship, sense of mystery and, for many, spirituality, is omnipresent here – it's no surprise that this is a World Heritage Site. Lalibela Lodge is within easy distance of the churches, perched on a terraced hillside overlooking trees and the city. With lush gardens, warm staff and a good on-site restaurant, this is one of the more well-rounded affordable options.

The Ruth Hotel

Gondar

30 Rooms

From $40 per person/night

Stay close to Gondar's ruins, restaurants, night life and Simien Mountains National Park.

The northern city of Gondar once served as Ethiopia's capital and the seat of its emperors. Although no longer a political powerhouse, its impressive 16th and 17th ruins reflect the city's royal and romantic past (with at its heart the Fasil Ghebbi fortress and compound). On the outskirts of town, and thoroughly modern in design, is Ruth Hotel. It's not palatial place, but you'll find pretty luxurious accommodation, facilities, and all the comforts you require. Importantly, you're just five kilometres from the sights, and 10 minutes from the airport.

Yared Zema International Hotel

Axum

60 Rooms

From $60 per person/night

Be poised to explore Ethiopia's ancient city from this simple hotel in Axum.

The northern Ethiopian town of Axum is known for its enormous carved obelisks, relics of the powerful Aksumite kingdom that reigned from the 1st to the 8th centuries AD. These impressive monoliths hint at the power and importance of a civilisation that lay at the junction of Africa, Arabia and the Greco-Roman world. Sadly, modern-day Axum bustles with urban business, with little to remind you of the city's former stature. Nevertheless, Yared Zema International makes an acceptable choice for a night or two. You can't miss its tall, peachy facade, with sun-reflective glass.

Blue Nile Resort Hotel

Bahir Dar

135 Rooms

From $30 per person/night

Motel-style hotel on Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Nile

The third-largest city in Ethiopia, Bahir Dar has been described as Ethiopia's Saint-Tropez. The comparison may challenge belief, but there is a lush air to this palm-treed port on the south shore of Lake Tana, the country's largest lake. It's also ideally located to access a number of geographic and historical sites, especially the dramatic Blue Nile Falls and the lake's own monastery-filled islands. Blue Nile Resort sits on Tana's industrious shore, with excellent views of the span of coppery aqua. Here, the modernish facilities may lack charm, but the resort makes an adequate base for a few days' exploration.

Hilton Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa

372 Rooms

From $80 per person/night

Warm, old-style charm at this hideaway in the heart of bustling Addis Ababa

Ethiopia's capital city is more than a mere stopover for travellers en route to the country's ruins and spectacular mountains. It's a sweet muddle of what makes this country so fascinating: ancient history and religion, a distinct ethnic and international flair. Visit to discover its excellent local and experimental cuisine, impressive craft markets and, of course, superlative coffee. The international Hilton Addis Ababa is an old charmer of a retreat in the centre of the city, with everything you need for a stress-free stay, brief or lengthy. Recently refreshed, it's very appealing, as is its six-hectare sprawl of mature gardens.

Paradise Lodge Ethiopia

Omo Valley

50 Rooms

From $80 per person/night

Low-key but charming lodge in southern Ethiopia, with spectacular forest views

Not too long ago, 30 per cent of Ethiopia was covered in forest. Now, when Google-viewed from above, few patches remain – in fact just five per cent. One pristine section on the outskirts of Arba Minch is the setting for Paradise Lodge, a charming hilltop property overlooking lakes Abaya and Chamo. Bordering wildlife-rich Nechisar (or Nech-Sar) National Park, the lodge takes its environmental and social roles seriously, and local materials dominate the construction. Charming bamboo-thatched huts built in the traditional Gamo style are low-key, yet more than simply comfortable, and their once-deforested surroundings are again largely covered in trees.

Mountain View Hotel

Lalibela

161 Rooms

From $60 per person/night

Walk with pilgrims on a journey to Lalibela, Ethiopia's most sacred city.

Perched on a promontory above ancient and sacred Lalibela, the new Mountain View Hotel is a destination with a view to lose yourself in, with staggered balconies offering unobstructed panoramas of the valley and surrounding escarpments. It's just a 10-minute drive from mysterious Lalibela, where 11 churches were carved and excavated deep into the rock by Coptic Christians in the 12th and 13th centuries. Narrow passageways and corridors link the edifices. Lalibela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's far more than a frozen-in-stone historical relic; it's visited by pilgrims and spiritual seekers throughout the year.

Kuriftu Resort & Spa

Bahir Dar

28 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

Relax on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, at this tranquil retreat.

Kuriftu Resorts operates several mid-range lodges around Ethiopia, each with an accompanying spa. This one, in the town of Bahir Dar - an hour's flight or eight-hour drive from Addis Ababa, sits right on the edge of Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country. It has its own jetti, making for easy tours to some of the islands, which are home to a couple of medieval monasteries. In addition to being the source of the Blue Nile, the lake is also home to a variety of birdlife, most notably, large flocks of pelicans.

Sapphire Addis Hotel

Addis Ababa

130 Rooms

From $120 per person/night

A modern gem in the heart of Addis Ababa

For reliable, efficient and refined hospitality, Sapphire Addis Hotel is up there with the best international hotels in Ethiopia's capital city. But unlike many of its ilk, it has a personality and human side that establishments of this size often lack. With excellent facilities and a central location just a kilometre from Bole Airport, a helpful concierge service and an overall welcoming atmosphere, Sapphire will not disappoint. You can rest assured your stay will go smoothly, whether you've booked for a quick turnaround or a lengthier visit.

Eco-Omo Safari Lodge

Omo Valley

20 Rooms

From $140 per person/night

Simple comfort en route to Ethiopia's famously remote Omo Valley.

Ethiopia's southwestern corner is one of the last outposts of traditional life. Here, in the Omo Valley, eight ethnic tribes reside, including the Mursi, Hamar and Karo people – 200,000 in all. They face a tough future, one that is threatened by developments such as river damming. Eco-Omo Safari Lodge sits in Omo's heart, on the eastern edge of Mago National Park in the clamorous and colourful town of Jinka. Adventurous, open-minded travellers interested in the plight of indigenous people and keen to understand their way of life should seek out this dusty, barely trickling backwater before it's too late.

Mezena Lodge

Lalibela

30 Rooms

From $50 per person/night

A serene lodge that's ideally situated for trips to Ethiopia's holiest city.

The impressive rock-hewn architecture of Lalibela's medieval churches draw pilgrims of many kinds – Ethiopian Orthodox and other religious worshippers, lovers of art and history, and the many repeat visitors entranced by Ethiopia's charms. The detail within the 11 monolithic structures is certainly mysterious and intoxicating. If you're looking for a reliable place to stay while examining the monuments, head to Mezena Lodge on the eastern side of town. Set on the foothills overlooking the fertile valley, Mezena's 30 spacious bungalows are appropriately respectful in design, combining tranquillity with modern amenities and good cuisine. Ideal for exploring this sacred place.

Radisson Blu Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa

212 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

Business-chic hotel centrally located in Ethiopia's busy capital.

This slick international hotel ticks all the boxes: convenience, efficiency, comfort and class. Located in the busy Kazanchis Business District of Addis Ababa, Radisson Blu Hotel is only six kilometres from Bole International, and close to a number of places of interest. The facilities on-site should cover all the bases – currency exchange, restaurants, spa, pool – and a sharp team is always ready to help. While it might lack the quaint charm of a smaller hotel, the corporate chain is steadfast and reliable, and is especially suitable if you're spending just a night or two in the city.

Sheraton Addis Hotel

Addis Ababa

From $320 per person/night

Ethiopia's first Luxury Collection hotel where 'high-end' finds new meaning.

Perched between presidential palaces in the Ethiopian capital, Sheraton Addis has been hosting everyone from heads of state to honeymoon couples since 1998. This architectural gem on the hilltops overlooks the sprawling city below, offering a sanctuary of manicured gardens, underwater musical pools, and eleven different dining venues under one roof. The hotel's unique position – literally between the National Palace and Prime Minister's residence – makes it both a fortress of security and a gateway to Addis Ababa's ancient mysteries. From three-storey private villas with personal pools to the legendary Gaslight nightclub, this is Ethiopian luxury redefined.

Sora Lodge Lalibela

Lalibela

9 Rooms

From $30 per person/night

Hillside inn with big views and easy access to Ethiopia's most sacred city

Ethiopia's Lalibela is a world-renowned city of subterranean churches, which were carved into the rock in the 12th and 13th centuries. The skill and artistry displayed is awe-inspiring, and it's no wonder that this place is so sacred. Even today, the churches are a site of pilgrimage for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Sora Lodge, set on a slope overlooking the city (it's just 15 minutes away), has views of the surrounding mountains (including the country's's biggest, Asheten Mariam) and valleys. This extremely welcoming lodge gets so much right, from its location to simple, genuine hospitality and good, well-run facilities.

Magnolia Hotel

Addis Ababa

86 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

A pleasant and hassle-free modern hotel in Ethiopia's capital city.

Located in Addis Ababa's financial district, opposite the European Union, this smart hotel offers convenience in the capital, and very reliable service. A fifteen-minute drive from the city's international airport, it's a smart choice for business travellers, layover stays, and those en route to the country's more picturesque regions. The excellent staff provide personalised service of an international standard and the on-site restaurant and bar, spa and gym make it a compelling one-stop-shop option for those craving some creature comforts.

Golden Tulip Hotel

Addis Ababa

70 Rooms

From $220 per person/night

Around-the-clock service in this elegant Addis hotel.

The Golden Tulip occupies a city block near the heart of Addis Ababa's business district, close to several diplomatic embassies and a kilometre from Bole International Airport. Classy and modern, the hotel's facilities are freshly minted and extremely well constructed. Designed to serve international and business travellers, it contains several convenient amenities for business and leisure: a handful of restaurants and bars, a gym, a 24-hour shuttle service and a top-notch concierge service. This is the kind of place you don't have to second-guess.

Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa

188 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

A classy and ultra-contemporary business hotel in a good location in the bustling capital.

Centrally located between Addis Ababa's key attractions (both touristic and diplomatic), the Hyatt Regency is not just convenient, but offers a supremely pleasant stay in every way. Its brand-new facilities combine smart and elegant with casual comfort, yet manage to maintain some of that distinctive Ethiopian style. From here you're just a 15-minute drive to Bole International, and within walking distance of the United Nations Conference Centre. With its fresh feel, very good accommodation, bars and restaurants, and energetic staff, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything to fault.

Intercontinental Hotel

Addis Ababa

194 Rooms

From $150 per person/night

An easy introduction to Ethiopia's capital city

A line of palms buffers this modern hotel from the clamour of Addis Ababa, offering easy refuge for travellers flitting in and out of the city. A 10-minute drive from Bole International Airport, Intercontinental Hotel Addis Ababa is a sensible choice for anyone who's lured to Ethiopia's myriad historic sites and picturesque landscapes. Here you'll find all the requisite services of an international hotel (concierge, foreign exchange) and luxury amenities (spa, gym, multiple restaurants), so it'll meet all your travelling needs, and ease you slowly into the country's distinctively different culture.9

Getfam Hotel

Addis Ababa

115 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

Big, bright and inviting in Ethiopia's capital city.

Set in the heart of Addis Ababa's bustling business district, Getfam Hotel is a meticulous and reliable option if you're simply passing through the city. It's reasonably close to the international airport too, so is perfect for efficient stopovers. With an excellent staff and all the requisite services of a corporate-grade hotel, Getfam's real attraction is its predictability. You might not get the raw experience of this ragout of a city, but you can count on being well cared for and well rested.

Ethiopia

Best hotels in Ethiopia

Simien Lodge

Jinka Resort

Hotel Maribela

Gondar Landmark Hotel

Sabean Hotel

Abay Minch Lodge

Capital Hotel & Spa

Korkor Lodge

Planet Hotel

Limalimo Lodge

Emerald Resort

Lalibela Lodge

The Ruth Hotel

Yared Zema International Hotel

Blue Nile Resort Hotel

Hilton Addis Ababa

Paradise Lodge Ethiopia

Mountain View Hotel

Kuriftu Resort & Spa

Sapphire Addis Hotel

Eco-Omo Safari Lodge

Mezena Lodge

Radisson Blu Addis Ababa

Sheraton Addis Hotel

Sora Lodge Lalibela

Magnolia Hotel

Golden Tulip Hotel

Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa

Intercontinental Hotel

Getfam Hotel

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