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Ethiopia is a country that has only recently emerged from the shadows to capture the attention of world travellers. And yet this mysterious land has many, many treasures to offer, from other-worldly landscapes and endemic wildlife to ancient cities and cultures. Take a magic-carpet ride, and come to Limalilo Lodge, one of Ethiopia's newest, most chic retreats. Enjoy easy access to the Simien Mountains, and wallow in the dramatic views. The jagged peaks and deep canyons offer great hiking, and the plateaus are home to an assortment of endemic animals. This lodge combines simple luxury with a healthy community-development programme.
From $190 person/night
The accommodation at the lodge is minimalist, with few frills. But you're unlikely to find a more comfortable mattress this side of eternity.
On a guided hike to the misty plateau, you can take a seat on the grass and watch as a hundred gelada baboons interact with each other in grunts, the little ones playing and tumbling. They're quite friendly, these hairy primates, and watching them is enthralling.
From the lodge's position on the edge of the escarpment, the views of the Simien Mountains are sensational. From the lodge, stroll to various viewing points to get the best photographs.
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.
This is a lovely lodge, but its extraordinary location is the real luxury here. A hike to see the rare and endemic creatures is obligatory.
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.