The highest lodge in Africa, Simien Lodge is proudly owned by Nick Crane; a Brit living in France.

The scenery in Simien Mountain National Park is so spectacular that it was made an UNESCO World Heritage Site; the second to be created, after Yellowstone National Park, in the USA.

If you stay at Simien Lodge, on the edge of the escarpment, you'll get to see what all the fuss is about.

But it's not just about the mountains, the wildlife and the scenery, although those were the reasons why the park was given its UNESCO World Heritage label.

There is plenty of cultural history too. Check out the church at Deresge Maryam or the monastery of Saddique Amba that clings to the cliff side.

Simien wildlife is quite unique, with three species not found anywhere else in the world.

A local favourite is the group of Gelada who come right up to the lodge.

The Simien Wolf may take a while to see, but with a little patience they can be found. The Walia Ibex is also unique to this area.

It's also possible to see Leopard, klipspringer, bushbuck, jackal and hyena.

Getting to Simien Lodge:

The lodge itself is located at the beginning of the escarpment, about 22km from Debarak; which is the 'frontier town' of the Simien Mountain National Park.

Entrance tickets to the park are purchased at the park office in Debarak. The park gate itself is at Sawre, about 16km from Debarak, and then the Lodge is another 6km past the gate where the scenery really opens out.

Please also note that the National Park is closed from sunset to sunrise. Please allow 20 minutes before sunset as being the latest time of arrival at the park gate in order to get to the lodge.

Entrance may be refused if you are not there on time. It is a 40 minute drive from the town of Debark - the lodge is actually inside the national park.

There is a restaurant and bar at Simien Lodge; the highest bar in Africa.