The best accommodations South

In the heart of the Rasta village lies a surprising lodge in a heavenly setting, a veritable haven of peace owned by Alex, Sandrine and their children. This charming Franco-Ethiopian family is very welcoming and offers excursions to visit the region. For those who want to live the Rasta experience in Ethiopia, this is the place to be. Accommodation consists of five carefully decorated traditional bamboo tukuls, in Sidamo or Oromo style, plus three smaller ones with shared showers. Good vegetarian restaurant.

Set away from the city, in a garden, this hotel is certainly the most recommendable in Yabelo, which doesn't really have many excellent addresses. It's quietly located, but the rooms are deteriorating and the prices are high for the quality of the facilities. The most acceptable rooms are in the new wing, the other being dilapidated and unnecessarily expensive. Insist on getting a new room at the same price as the old one, as the hotel is taking advantage of the influx of international NGO guests to double its prices. Restaurant.

Makonnen Zoudé's seven dorzé huts are a haven of peace in the middle of nature. Specially designed for visitors, they are spartan but authentic, with communal showers and hot water. Musicians and dancers perform every evening. There's no restaurant, just tea and a morning omelette. Unforgettable memories and human exchanges! For non-residents, a guided tour of the farm with Makonnen in excellent English.

This is the former imperial residence of Haile Selassie, now the government hotel Wondo Genet Resort, sold and converted into a private hotel. It's certainly very faded, but has a lot of charm because it's "in its juice", a seventies decor worthy of a film. It offers decent rooms with a marvellous view of Lake Awassa. To be avoided at weekends because of the Addis Ababa crowds and higher prices. In addition to the hotel's Soviet-style restaurant, a snack bar - not always open - serves simple dishes.

This development training agency offers accommodation in the heart of the village of Yirgalem.

One of the chicest Lewi hotels in Awassa. It offers luxurious rooms with all mod cons, decorated in a kitschy style but with a private terrace facing the lake, and air-conditioning in the more expensive rooms. The main driveway leading to the lake crosses a beautiful exotic garden where monkeys come to play. There are also bungalows isolated in the vegetation. The area is popular with wealthy Ethiopian families, who often come here to celebrate weddings. Large swimming pool, sauna and spa (extra charge), bar and restaurant. Boat excursions, Wifi.