Helpful friend in Bahir Dar

Hello fellow travelers,

I am making this post in the small and lovely town of Bahir Dar in Northern Ethiopia. I have some tips and information for this town.

First off, when you arrive a likely thing is that you are directed to Ghion hotel which a government owned hotel near where the bus drops you off. Don't stay here. The rooms are terrible. My room had water leaking into it and after they came and cleaned it once, it leaked again and filled the floor with water (not just the bathroom but everywhere, even under the bed). The rooms are 300 Birr and dont even include breakfast.

I found out that Pensions in Ethiopia are much better for the thrifty traveller. I am now at Friendship Pension which has hot water, a balcony, huge bed, wifi, and a clean room. Also it is above a sort of mall with a restaurant. The cost is 150-200 Birr.

Most of this helpful information came from a very helpful guy we met in Bahir Dar named Daniel who can be reached at +251 918013003 and danielabebe99@yahoo.com. He is a local guy and gave us information about trips to the lake and nice places to eat. He helped us for days and was kind and honest. His English isn't bad and he organizes tours for people upon their arrival in BD. There is alot to tell about and I will continue in another post. Ethiopia is an amazingly beautiful country and completely extraordinary from anywhere else I have travelled. Good luck.

MM