July travel- book accommodation in advance?

Hello people,
Is it necessary to book accomodation in advance? I'll be travelling at the end of July and visit Lalibela and Harar. I can only find a few options on the internet and they all seem pretty expensive.
Is it advisable to simply show up and find something rather than book in advance?
Can anyone recommend a cheap but good place in either Lalibela or Harar?

Thanks

I think it won't be a problem to find a good option right after your arrival.

In July absolutely no need to book in advance.
IF you are flying into Lalibela you will find about 10 hotel desks at airport with reps so bargain them down as it is very much low season... Suggest you look at Lalibela Hotels on TripAdvisor Ethiopia and have a short list at your budget level ready to choose from at airport

Harrar much less choice. If flying you land at DD so not like above. Again look at TA reviews. There are a couple of guest houses in traditional Adari houses the old city, which get some good reviews.

Worth searching on TA Ethiopia Forum for Harrar guides, or going to Bradt Guide to Ethiopia Updates pages.....
Both guide books are getting old re prices ie Bradt is 2012, LP 2013... Bradt is better see reviews on Amazon.

No need to book in advance.

Michel

Hello addictedtomango,
It never happens that all accomodation is booked. In neither place. Unless you have your eyes set on a particular place just show up (more likely that they have lost your reservation ...).
Kind regards,
7stern

no need to booked early. budget Hotel options in lalibela ...
1. Ashetn Hotel
2. Read rock Hetel
3. Haven gust House
4. selam Gust House
price starting $14-20

Agree no need to book ahead. the Asheton and nearby 7 Olives Hotel in Lalibela are decent for about $15. 7 Olives has pretty good food as well. they're both located in the upper part of the town. Try Belayneh in Harrar. It's near the old town and also has decent food. Rooms are around $10-15.

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