Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
bedrooms, the bathrooms are comically small, but that's the main complaint. There's
satellite TV and a minifridge.
HOTEL
Tana Hotel $$$
( 0582-200554; s/d US$38/51; )
Known for its sunset views, Tana's top selling
point is the forested lakeside setting. Some funky touches, like the goat-skin wall in the
restaurant (mains Birr43 to Birr81), brighten up the older building. Though maintenance
is not Tana's strongpoint, and the hot water is only turned on mornings and early even-
ings, overall it's a good choice.
Kuriftu Resort & Spa $$$
( 0920-959797;
www.kurifturesortspa.com
; s with half board US$132-139, d/tw/ste
US$167/173/194; )
There's lots of new luxe lodging going up in Bahir Dar,
but this attractive spot will surely remain one of the best. Kuriftu's large, refined stone-
and-wood cottages are filled with lovely furnishings and artistic touches. Be sure to re-
quest a lakeview room: they don't cost extra. The service is excellent and the shady
grounds ooze relaxation. Rates include one massage, manicure or pedicure.
RESORT
Eating & Drinking
This being Bahir Dar you should have at least one meal lakeside. Desset Resort, which
puts you right on the shore, is our favourite lakeside spot, but Mango Park is the most fun
and Tana Hotel has the best sunsets.
The Balageru Cultural Club serves food, along with laughs. If you want a drink that
will knock you off your feet, visit the hole-in-the-wall
araki
(grain spirit) bars near the bus
station.
Desset Resort $
(mains Birr28-85)
This popular restaurant really makes the most of its long landscaped
shoreline. Both the
habesha
(Ethiopian) and
faranji
(foreigner) dishes (try the roasted
lamb) are quite good and the menu is bigger than normal.
EUROPEAN, ETHIOPIAN
Wawi Pizzeria $
ITALIAN, ETHIOPIAN
