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While the towns of the region are few and far between, each has its own distinctive character and feeling.
Shashemene is the home of the Rastafarian movement in Ethiopia, and has a Rasta museum and several Rasta bars. This originated when, in 1948, Emperor Haile Selassie gave some of his land to the Rastafarian Movement, the Ethiopian World Federation and settlers from Jamaica; throughout his life the emperor encouraged Jamaicans and Rastafarians to settle in Shashemene and for this is revered to this day by Rastafarians. In 2005, rumours abounded that Bob Marley’s remains were to be exhumed and reburied at Shashemene when his widow claimed Ethiopia to be his spiritual home. Despite this, the Rastafarian Quarter is a small section of this sprawling town, which is best known as a major junction linking several roads that connect all parts of the south of Ethiopia.
Hawassa, on the shores of Lake Hawassa, is the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region. The town is best known for its dawn fish market, a bustling and dynamic event where fishermen and locals congregate daily. For those who dare, delicious thinly sliced raw fish served with spices and flat bread is available in the lakeside restaurant. The town makes a convenient stopping point in the way south, and its shops sell a useful combination of electronics, clothes, shoes and toiletries that can't be found in the towns further south.
Arba Minch, or Forty Springs, was named for the abundant water that comes from the area. An attractive town, it has views over Nechisar National Park and its two lovely lakes: Abaya and Chamo. The town is also known for the Dorze people who live on the surrounding hills; visits to Dorze villages from the town are interesting and enjoyable.
Jinka is a lively market town frequented by the local tribes-people who come regularly to buy, sell and socialise. Although the town is the centre for 16 indigenous groups, the Hamar people, recognisable by their ochre-tinted hair and skin, are most in evidence here. Curios, carvings and other attractive memorabilia are best bought here.
Turmi is a dry, dusty and sparsely populated town that serves as a centre for many of the tribes of the Omo Valley who live in scattered villages beyond. The Amhara, Hamar, Goffa, Gamo, Mursi, Karo, Konso, Dassanach and others live around here; Turmi is popular with visitors as a place to stay whilst visiting the tribes.
Aregash Lodge is built in the style of a traditional Sidama village. Set amongst the coffee fields of the Missailidis Family’s coffee plantation, the lodge overlooks lush green slopes. The Missailidis Family, originally from Greece, have been in Ethiopia for three generations and cultivate the tasty coffee for which ...
Hawassa, on the shores of Lake Hawassa, is the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region. A bustling hub in the south of Ethiopia, the town is home to Hawassa University and several markets including the popular fish market. The 82 en-suite rooms are made up of singles, twins, ...
A friendly homestay owned and managed by the Dorze tribe, Dorze Lodge is high on a mountain above the town of Arba Minch, overlooking the lake and valley below. There are 10 en-suite traditional beehive rooms, and 4 traditional Dorze huts, entirely covered by organic materials, with communal bathrooms. All the furniture ...
Haile Gebrselassie is arguably the best runner Ethiopia has ever produced – and that’s quite a feat! With two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and too many marathon wins to count, Haile has broken national and international records time and time again. Now President of Ethiopian Athletics, the ...
Haile Gebrselassie is arguably the best runner Ethiopia has ever produced – and that’s quite a feat! With two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and too many marathon wins to count, Haile has broken national and international records time and time again. Now President of Ethiopian Athletics, the ...
Hawassa, capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region, is a bustling hub on Lake Hawassa. Situated near the lake, Hawassa Lake View Hotel has lovely views of the water and the lakeshore. The 22 en-suite rooms are made up of standard, double and delux. All rooms have TV, Wifi, ...
As its name suggests, Mora Heights Hotel is high on a hill, 1,285 meters above sea level. The 28 en-suite rooms are made up of singles, doubles and twins. All have balconies, many of which have lovely views. The restaurant serves Ethiopian cuisine and has some international dishes. The bar is stocked ...
Perched on a peak overlooking Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya, Paradise Lodge offers spectacular views across Ethiopia’s southern Rift Valley. The 129 en-suite rooms comprise single, twin, family, king size, VIP suite and presidential suite. All rooms are furnished with beds and tables crafted from local Cordia Africana trees. The ...
Hawassa, capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region, is a bustling hub on Lake Hawassa. Centrally located, the South Star International Hotel offers rooms and services designed for both business and leisure travellers. The 114 en-suite rooms are made up of standard, twin, family, executive suites and delux suites. ...
Turmi Lodge named for the town in which it’s located: Turmi, home of the Hamar people. The lodge is owned and operated by Splendor Ethiopia Tours. Turmi Lodge has 34 en-suite rooms, in several blocks spread about the large compound. The spacious rooms all have cupboard, mosquito net, table, chairs, ...
Haile Gebrselassie is arguably the best runner Ethiopia has ever produced – and that’s quite a feat! With two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and too many marathon wins to count, Haile has broken national and international records time and time again. Now President of Ethiopian Athletics, the ...
Haile Gebrselassie is arguably the best runner Ethiopia has ever produced – and that’s quite a feat! With two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and too many marathon wins to count, Haile has broken national and international records time and time again. Now President of Ethiopian Athletics, the ...