Jungle treehouses and five-star retreats
Photo: Courtesy of Journeys By Design
Sweeping mountainscapes, ancient underground churches and geological marvels... Are you sold on Ethiopia yet? It's the ultimate road-less-travelled destination, and with a rising luxury market, there's no reason not to add it to your bucket list.
See also: Exploring Ethiopia's Ancient Wonders
From panoramic mountain lodges and jungle treehouses to five-star urban retreats, here are the top places to stay in Ethiopia:
The Sheraton Addis
Photo: Courtesy of The Sheraton Addis
Most tours of Ethiopia start and finish in Addis Ababa. You’ll need at least one full day to explore the city—check out Makush Art Gallery, dine at modern restaurant Antica, reenergise at coffee shop chain Tomoca, then head to this five-star urban retreat to party the night away at its nighclub, Gaslight, or soothe road-weary muscles at the spa.
Sheraton Addis, Taitu Street, P.O. Box 6002, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, +251 11 517 1717, sheratonaddis.com
Bale Mountain Lodge
Photo: Courtesy of Journeys By Design
Nestled in the Bale Mountain National Park, surrounded by the Harenna Forest and overlooked by majestic mountains, this cosy lodge is run by a charming British couple who can arrange guided hikes and wildlife excursions—we spotted Ethiopian wolves and wild lions during our stay. Or feeling adventurous? Book the romantic treehouse with the scenic outdoor shower.
Bale Mountain Lodge, Bale Mountains National Park 1107, Ethiopia, +251 91 279 0802, balemountainlodge.com
Limalimo Lodge
Photo: Courtesy of Limalimo Lodge/ @rudyguenaire
Perched on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Simien Mountains National Park, this cool and contemporary hilltop hideaway offers spectacular panoramic views from its wraparound terrace, which is perfect for early morning yoga, sunbathing and hot chocolate under the stars. Popular activities include birdwatching and hikes to observe gelada monkeys.
Limalimo Lodge, PO Box 82, Debark, North Gondar, Ethiopia, info@limalimolodge.com, limalimolodge.com
Maribela Hotel
Photo: Courtesy of Maribela Hotel
Options are limited in the dusty mountaintop town of Lalibela but this clean, comfortable and conveniently located hotel will not disappoint. Rooms are spacious and have balconies overlooking vast rocky plains and craggy ridges. Wake up early to watch vultures known locally as bone-crunchers hunting their prey. Try the pizza—it’s surprisingly tasty.
Hotel Maribela, Keble 01-Sekota road, Lalibela, Ethiopia, +251 92 233 5490, hotelmaribela.com
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