Ankober, Awash, Bahir Dar, Gondar

Hello Jennifer

I was in Ethiopia in May so can assist with the last two destinations you listed.

Bahir Dar was my favourite place in Ethiopia - it had a lovely vibe, and the sight of the priests wandering the street, coupled with the fabulous market - made this a town to relax for a few days. Heading to Lake Tana is essential - but shop around as there are many different prices and tour options. The monasteries are most interesting, but be aware that being female will prevent you from entering a couple of them - so bring a book or something to pass the time whilst the male members of your group wander around inside. The Blue Nile is understated, but it's nice to say you've been there. Make sure that you know exactly what your itinerary will be with any boat you book with - mine assured me of visiting a specific monastery, but this did not occur. Cannot remember where I stayed or ate, so no recommendations unless my memory improves or I find the restaurant dockets.

Gondar is a little less interesting. The Royal Enclosure is a nice place to spend part of an afternoon, but the whole area was a little underwhelming - though the Berhan Selassie church is well worth a visit. I can strongly recommend a new hotel called the Hibret. If you have a Lonely Planet guide, it is in the same street as the Mosque just south of the Royal Enclosure - however it is not listed in that publication. It was the best hotel I stayed at in Ethiopia and the restaurant served the best food - which is really saying something considering how fantastic Ethiopian food is.

Just a word of advice - extended power outages are common in both Bahir Dar and Gondar - so if you are carrying around a camera or other electronic device, recharge it at every opportunity, as running out of battery power just as you wish to take an unforgettable photograph is most frustrating.

Hope this helps!

Shane Reply to this

I was in Bahar Dar in March, we stayed at the Summerland Hotel. It is a nice place, right on the main street and about $45/double. I agree about the nice vibe there in Bahar Dar. We ate at another hotel down the street, but the name escapes me now. For entertainment, definitely go to the Belageru club, a minstrel bar where they play music and dance. It was a blast! It was just around the corner from the Summerland. Reply to this