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Kuriftu Resort & Spa, Bahir Dar | Timbuktu Travel
Bahir Dar

Kuriftu Resort & Spa

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Kuriftu Resort & Spa

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.
Bahir Dar , Ethiopia
From $190 per person/per night
Retreat
28 Rooms
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Property details

The property

The main area of the hotel, which incorporates the reception, dining room, lounge and bar, is a large double-storey building built of stone and thatch and covered in lush green plants. The dining room, where breakfast is served, has some funky carved wooden chairs, but the lounge areas have a more vibrant feel to them, thanks to the colourful African artwork and cushions. The real place to be is at the curvy pool or on the lakeside terrace, admiring the exquisite view.

The rooms

There are 14 double-storey stone and wood bungalows (making 28 rooms in total), either facing the lake, the pool or in the garden. They are truly lovely and wouldn't look out of place in Switzerland, with their shaded balconies and stone steps. The spacious interiors are full of colour and furnished with locally-made furniture, though some are a little chilly due to the extensive use of stone. All have a terrace or a balcony with an outdoor fireplace. Ensuite bathrooms are simple, though nicely decorated with mosaic tiles.

Activities

The hotel can organise boat trips to some of the islands on the lake in order to visit three different medieval monasteries, but equally impressive is the bird-watching you can do along the way. Be sure to book a boat with sufficient power to get you to the islands and back in decent time - some operators seem to take chances! Tours to see the waterfalls at the start of the Blue Nile can be fun, but sitting by the pool, soaking up the views with a drink in hand, is also a lovely way to send a few days.
Why we love it

Why we love it

The setting and the hotel itself is really very pretty and the bougainvillea-enshrouded stonework of the lodge is particularly attractive and photogenic.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

There's a complimentary massage included in every stay - heaven after a day hiking of or sightseeing.
Something to think about

Something to think about

Road noise can be a problem for some rooms; we advise one close to the lake or the pool to avoid the busy-ness (and make the most of the views!) at no extra cost.
Trips

Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

The Best of Northern Ethiopia
Ethiopia

The Best of Northern Ethiopia

9 nights from $4.2K per person

Northern Ethiopia & the Omo Valley
Ethiopia

Northern Ethiopia & the Omo Valley

10 nights from $4.5K per person

Ethiopia: The Full Works
Ethiopia

Ethiopia: The Full Works

11 nights from $6.4K per person

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How to book Kuriftu Resort & Spa

How do I book Kuriftu Resort & Spa?

Kuriftu Resort & Spa can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Ethiopia trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Ethiopia trips featuring Kuriftu Resort & Spa or get advice and suggestions from one of our Ethiopia specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Kuriftu Resort & Spa?

Stays at Kuriftu Resort & Spa start from around $190 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Kuriftu Resort & Spa

Ethiopia

Bahir Dar

The Ethiopian Riviera is for relaxed days cruising around Lake Tana and visiting the Blue Nile Falls.