Ankober Palace Lodge

Ankober Palace Lodge stands on the hill where Emperor Menelik II had his palace, in the old Shewa capital of Ankober. The town is about 140 km north-east of Addis Ababa and 40 km east of Debre Birhan. It sits on the edge of the highlands at about 2,465 metres. From the top of the hill you look down the escarpment to the Rift Valley and the Afar plains.

What to do

Guides take guests on treks over the ridges and to farm houses on the way. The lodge has horses for riding and places for tents. Bird watching is good on the forested slopes. Guests visit the churches around the hill, the church school of music and poetry and a small community museum. At the lodge, guests help to make coffee, bake injera or spin cotton.

Rooms

Rooms are in traditional style houses. Each room has its own toilet and hot shower. There are standard single, double and family rooms. Breakfast comes with the room.

Dining

The restaurant is in a hall built in the style of the Great Hall of Menelik, at the top of the hill. It serves Ethiopian and international dishes. The bar and the veranda look over the valley.

Getting there

Drive to Debre Birhan on the road north-east from Addis Ababa. Ankober is 40 km east of Debre Birhan. The lodge is at the top of the palace hill.

Good to know

The town is high, so take warm clothes for the night. Call +251 92 990 0606 to book.