The best accommodations East

Located in Afar Zone 3 in Awash 40, Ethiopia, Doho Lodge is the ideal accommodation for travelers in search of tranquility and nature. The lodge offers a peaceful, picturesque setting, surrounded by magnificent scenery. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, offering everything you need for a pleasant stay. Staff are friendly and attentive to guests' needs. The lodge also features a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, as well as a bar where guests can relax and enjoy refreshing drinks.

The latest Kuriftu opened at the gateway to the Danakil desert in 2019. Semara, a town rarely visited by tourists, has become the base camp for expeditions. With its desert-appropriate architecture (a modern sand-colored building with little height), it offers all the comforts of an Addis Ababa hotel. In all, 148 rooms with king-size beds and luxury amenities (air-conditioning, of course). On site: a lovely restaurant, a swimming pool (!) and a complete spa center to unwind after a day of hot, chaotic 4 x 4 driving.

A 10-room lodge run by a Belgian in a pleasant setting, almost all with a view over the Babogaya crater lake, where you can swim (no bilharzia) or kayak. Cosy, comfortable rooms in traditional style. Coffee and tea available, fresh fish from the lake and salads from local farmers. Birdwatching and turtle watching with English-speaking guide. On-site: mini-golf, tennis, sauna, spa (massages) and boutique.

Also known as Ras 2, this former government hotel was partially renovated a few years ago. It has retained the advantage of its central location and cool garden, and now features rooms with air conditioning, fan, mosquito nets, TV and private bathroom with hot water. A good compromise for staying in Dire Dawa for a night's transfer between Harar and the airport, without spending too much money on accommodation.

One of the only hotels in town and even in the region apart from the Kuriftu Afar resort, but here at more modest prices. Erta Ale Motel is a new building with large, clean rooms equipped with air-conditioning and hot water, which is essential for a minimum of comfort in an arid, ultra-hot area, especially before setting off on an expedition into the Danakil desert, where it will be downright scorching. To make matters worse, the restaurant serves good Ethiopian cuisine. A good address for those on a budget.

This small local guesthouse is acceptable for small budgets, with rudimentary but adequate rooms for a one or two-night stay, satisfactory service and friendly staff. However, we recommend that you opt for the garden-side rooms, which are more pleasant than the noisy street-side ones. They are well equipped (bathroom with hot water, clean, comfortable bedding). Its main assets: a very pleasant restaurant with a garden terrace, and good Wifi.