NEW LUXURY LIMALIMO LODGE OPENING IN SIMIEN MOUNTAINS, ETHIOPIA – SEPTEMBER 2015

This September, Scott Dunn will add to its recently unveiled Ethiopia portfolio with the launch of the luxury Limalimo Lodge. Located at the edge of an escarpment in northern Ethiopia, the new 14-room lodge will sit on 10 hectares of land in the Simien Mountains National Park, one of UNESCO’s Outstanding Places of Natural Beauty. It’s a real change of direction for a country known for its incredible beauty but less so for the quality of hotels on offer.

Built by local community members, environmental conservation is at the heart of the lodge and it boasts superb eco-credentials. The lodge has been constructed using sustainable building techniques and materials including rammed earth walls, thatch and wood sourced from surrounding areas that blend seamlessly into the scenery. Other eco-practices include the use of recycled water for ground gardening, an on-site bio waste system to treat lavatory water, and use of renewable energy to supply electricity, hot water and heating.

Each of the 14 simple yet elegant rooms will be scattered throughout the lush grounds, providing guests with total seclusion. All rooms will boast a private terrace too from which to enjoy spectacular views out across the mountains.

Set in a prime position, the lodge will offer a host of activities to enjoy the beauty and wildlife found in the Simien Mountains National Park. The location will provide a fantastic spot from which to bird watch whilst a selection of treks through the highlands and lowlands will offer guests the chance to get up-close and personal with local wildlife including the Gelda monkey. Trips will also be available to the local village, allowing guests to meet the community at the heart of Limalimo and take part in traditional Ethiopian practices including Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, cooking courses, beer making and visits to the market.

After a day of activity guests will be able to revive by experiencing the traditional Ethiopian ritual of washing and massaging the feet and calves of travellers. For the less active, early morning yoga sessions are available in the lodge’s quiet outdoor spaces and hammocks set amongst the calming acacia trees provide a moment of peace for those who seek it.

Limalimo will also be home to a restaurant and bar offering fine dining experiences from champagne breakfasts to luxury lunches. Guests can select from a menu of locally-inspired dishes using ingredients sourced from the grounds, local farmers and nearby markets.

Scott Dunn recommends visiting Ethiopia between mid/late October until May.

Scott Dunn offer a range of luxury itineraries to Ethiopia including the ‘Uncover Ethiopia’s Classic Northern Circuit’, which incorporates a 2 night stay at Limalimo Lodge, from £4,740 per person based on 12 nights full board. Price includes flights, all experiences, private tours, tour escort, and entrance fees.

www.scottdunn.com / 020 8682 5070