Simien Lodge

At the heart of the lodge is a thatched, open-plan restaurant with a large fireplace. It's a colourfully eclectic space, with locally made furnishings, and a menu that combines regional and international dishes – all good. "The highest bar in Africa" is also a large space with a central fireplace. Grab a seat and a local beer and cosy up here when the night is cool, knowing that all those dramatic spaces lie beyond the walls, waiting to be examined.

The lodge was a Gold Winner of the Skål Sustainable Tourism Awards 2016 for Rural Accommodation, and its 26 individual thatch-roofed huts, built in the style of the local cone-shaped tukul huts, offer simple but comfortable accommodation. The rooms are generous, with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms with a shower, and solar-powered hot water and underfloor heating, and a sheltered balcony. Family rooms have a lounge/bedroom with two single beds and an adjoining master bedroom, and a shared bathroom.

The park is a 2.5-hour drive from Gondar, with its beautifully preserved 16th-century ruins. However, the park is a wonderland destination in itself. Book a multi-day stay to immerse yourself in its astonishing features. Summit Ras Daschen if you're fit enough (it's a six-day guided hike through some of the most theatrical scenery you've ever encountered – enquire about arrangements before leaving home). Shorter hikes also reveal treasures, including the alpine wildlife and incredible birds. Local guides are on call.