Ten months ago, Simien Lodge management had a difficult decision to make. The Highest Hotel in Africa in the Simien Mountains was one of the first to close because of the pandemic. The problem was what to do about the 52 staff who all depend on tourism for their livelihoods and were initially surprised by the decision.
The answer was to enlarge the renovation plan that was already being prepared for the rainy season. They would renew the rooms as well as the bar and restaurant area. The staff would be relocated to different jobs and everybody was asked to change their role and become involved in the renovation. Everyone was happy to receive full salary and , as the weeks went by, they soon understood how fortunate they were.
A cinema room was added for showing films about the Simien wildlife and a new driver lounge was included too.
The main focus was to add a warmer feel to the lodge with the addition of wooden floors and wood-clad walls. New soft furnishings were included in the rooms and bar that have now given a cosier ambience. Backlighting adds warmth too and all lights can change from white light to warm light at the flick of a switch.
“The overall effect is stunning,” says Nick Crane, the CEO, whose daughter orchestrated the project together with Kuncho, a Franco/Ethiopian team of architectural designers. “At last Ethiopia has a lodge that can compete with the very best in southern Africa.”
