Limalimo Lodge

The main building is made of compacted earth, wood and thatch, so it seats itself beautifully in the environment. In the lounge is comfortable seating, with a smart bar at one end and a fireplace to one side. There's a fireplace in the dining room too (temperatures can plummet at this height). Floor-to-ceiling windows make for uninterrupted views of misty peaks and huge skies. Outside, a covered wraparound veranda leads to a sunny terrace with sunbeds and an open-air fireplace.

Like the main building, the guestrooms are built of natural materials. Twelve suites spread across the wooded hillside are minimalist in design, but have been well furnished to accommodate couples and families. You won't find many excesses here, besides the incredibly comfortable beds (thanks to the handmade Hypnos mattresses), but the wall-to-wall windows let in a lot of light and create the impression that you're fully immersed in the greenery. The en-suite bathrooms have good hot showers and double basins.

The Simien Mountains are a nature-lover's dream, home to the world's largest population of gelada baboons as well as the endangered walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf, and 180-plus bird species. From the camp, several trails lead to viewpoints along the escarpment edge. For the adventurous, guided treks ranging in duration from one day to a week-long mountain-climbing adventure can be arranged. Experience a traditional coffee ceremony or learn to make local bread (injera) and beer at the neighbouring Limalimo village.