Simien Mountains

Simien Lodge

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Simien Lodge?

Stays at Simien Lodge start from around US$90 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.

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Simien Lodge

About Simien Lodge

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.

Simien Mountains , Ethiopia

From $90 per person/per night

Safari

26 Rooms

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Property details

The property

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 rooms

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.

Activities

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.

Why we love it

From its position on the edge of the escarpment, the lodge has some of the very best views of the peaks and valleys that fall away in front of you. This is Africa's highest hotel, after all.

Insiders Tip

For those whose appetite for archaeology is strong enough to overcome their fear of heights, the 2–4 -hour hike to the Saddique Amba Monastery is an extraordinary opportunity to see the extent to which a 17th-century Christian monk was prepared to go to create a place of solitude for prayer and contemplation.

Something to think about

Come trekking between January and March for clear-sky days and mild nights (don't forget warm, weatherproof gear).

Trips

Simien Mountains Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

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Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book Simien Lodge

How do I book Simien Lodge?

Simien Lodge 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 Simien Lodge 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 Simien Lodge?

Stays at Simien Lodge start from around $90 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.

Ethiopia

Simien Mountains National Park

Hold your nerve for a visit to the lofty massifs of Simien and the spectacular panoramas that follow.