አረጋሽ ሎጅ / AREGASH LODGE

Aregash Lodge in Yirgalem is a beautiful and peaceful getaway surrounded by nature. The traditional tukul-style rooms are clean, comfortable, and give an authentic Ethiopian feel, while the lush gardens and quiet atmosphere make it perfect for relaxing. The staff are extremely warm and welcoming, and the food is fresh and delicious, especially breakfast. If you’re looking for a calm, nature-filled stay with genuine Ethiopian hospitality, this place is definitely worth visiting.

Fantastic Place. We were traveling from Addis and this was our first stop. The rooms were well done and the food excellent. The coffee ceremony, hyenas, birds etc just make it that much more special. It is an easy drive from Addis now with good highways. The prices are a super deal.

Aregash lodge is magical place in the middle of nature, it's peaceful and quiet. Perfect to get relaxed and disconnected from the noise of city. The staff is friendly and kind, the facilities are clean and organized. Highly recommended

Excellent for individuals or family planning to spend quality vacation time in an environment that is so natural where you meet the locals who are so polite and friendly, speaking Sidamu Afo, one of the Highland East Cushetic Languages.

Our team spent three nights at Aregash Lodge last week on a field mission and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The lodge is a remarkable example of traditional Sidama architecture, featuring bamboo and thatched structures with stunning dome-shaped roofs. While rooted in heritage, the accommodations are thoughtfully adapted to modern comfort, offering an ideal balance between authenticity and convenience. The property is owned and managed by Mr. Gregorios, a multilingual host with deep local roots and a wealth of stories to share. His presence on site adds a personal and welcoming dimension to the lodge experience. The staff are equally exceptional—courteous, attentive, and always ready to assist. Each day begins or ends with the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, held in a relaxed and beautiful setting. Evenings around the bonfire provide a perfect opportunity to share stories with friends or other guests, surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature. Aregash Lodge is nestled within a patch of natural forest, which the owners actively conserve. At sunset, guests may be fortunate enough to spot a family of hyenas approaching the edge of the forest—a unique and unforgettable experience. The food is excellent, with all ingredients sourced either from the lodge’s own organic garden or from the nearby Hanafa Village. This approach not only ensures freshness and quality but also reflects the lodge's commitment to sustainability and its strong collaboration with the local community. In conclusion, Aregash Lodge offers a deeply pleasant and enriching stay. Its blend of traditional architecture, environmental stewardship, and community engagement makes it a highly recommended destination in the Sidama region.

How to describe Aregash lodge? It’s a magical place where you have the chance to live in armony with nature. The bungalow are beautiful, spacious and comfortable, with beautiful windows on the green. The food is very good with all the ingredients coming from the lodge’s vegetable garden or from the neighboring farmers. The owner, Gregorio, is a wonderful person with lots of stories to tell. With his lodge Gregorio is protecting the forest, birds and many other animals, including hyenas!! It is indeed possible to see them from a safe distance from the lodge garden. Within the lodge property there is also a trekking route that leads you down to the river. The staff is amazing, everyone is extreme Keri polite and available! This, is a real eco-lodge!! The surrounding area with the Hanafa village is accessible for tourists by taking a nice a panoramic walk into the bush. Local families are excited to welcome people in their homes and show them their traditional way of life, which is quite an experience. Yirgalem is a nice city, very different from all the others city of the region and I suggest you go and have dinner at Hani restaurant where Alex, who is also a fantastic guide that you can hire via the lodge, will greet you with some amazing local dishes such as beyanetu, which is a delicious mix of different ingredients served on freshly made enjera. I would suggest anyone who likes nature to definitely go to Aregash lodge!!

We had a great time at Aregash Lodge. |Welcoming|Friendly|Spacious|Greener|Filled with with vibrant aroma of coffee. The best place to fresh fruit juice grown in their backyard. A place you can share coffee with wild animals, like hyenas. Authenticity at its best.

Best place for relaxation, peace and mediation. Very good service, excellent food, very kind helpful people. I definitely recommend visiting this lodge.