Hotels in Ethiopia

Hotels in Ethiopia: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in Ethiopia cost?

The price depends on the standard, the city and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. The cheapest month is usually June, while July is the priciest. A Friday booking is often cheaper than midweek.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in Ethiopia: most popular cities

Ethiopia splits into the capital, the historic cities of the north and the lakeside destinations of the south. These are the places travellers choose most often:

• Addis Ababa. The capital and most common base, with the widest choice of hotels and the main international airport.
• Arba Minch. A gateway to the Omo Valley and the southern national parks, with lake views.
• Hawassa. A lakeside resort, popular for a quiet stay and birdwatching.
• Bahir Dar. A city on Lake Tana, with monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls.
• Gondar. A former capital with imperial castles and a base for the Simien Mountains.

Nightly rates vary between cities. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in Ethiopia

The country combines historic sites, mountains and wild nature, so it is easy to match a trip to what interests you.

• The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Carved from rock in the 12th century, still used for religious festivals and a UNESCO site.
• Simien Mountains National Park. A UNESCO site with extraordinary scenery and trails from a few hours to a few days.
• Harar. Colourful alleyways, lively markets and the famous wild hyenas by the city walls.
• The Omo Valley. A region home to over ten ethnic groups, with local ceremonies.
• The Bale Mountains. Home of the rare Ethiopian wolf, plus waterfalls, alpine lakes and lava flows.

How much does a trip to Ethiopia cost

Beyond the room, daily costs are very low. A cheap meal is about $3, and a meal at a nicer restaurant around $8-9. Cards work in larger hotels in Addis Ababa, while outside the capital you need cash. Car rental starts at about $34 per day. A short bus ride costs next to nothing.

When is the best time to visit Ethiopia

Travel is easiest in the dry season, from October to March, when trails are passable and there is less rain. June tends to be the cheapest and July the most expensive, even though it is the middle of the rainy season. The Simien and Bale mountains are best visited outside the wettest months. Note that Addis Ababa sits high up, so evenings can be cool even in summer.

Getting to and around Ethiopia

Flying is the most common way to arrive, and the national carrier Ethiopian Airlines flies to around 125 countries. The main airport is Bole International in Addis Ababa. A railway links Addis Ababa with Djibouti, stopping at Adama and Dire Dawa among others. Within the country, domestic Ethiopian Airlines flights are the easiest option, though schedules can change. Buses reach everywhere and are cheap, but long-distance services leave early in the morning. Addis Ababa has a light rail and bus network. Hiring a car with a driver is popular for longer trips.

Example hotels in Ethiopia

A few recognisable properties from different cities for reference:

• Sheraton Addis and Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa (upper tier, from approx. $130).
• Ramada by Wyndham Addis Ababa and Elilly International Hotel in Addis Ababa (from approx. $70).
• Haile Resort in Arba Minch and on the lake in Hawassa (from approx. $55).