Gondor

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The city of Gondor, also called the Camelot of Africa with the difference that this is not a legend but reality. Surrounded by fertile mountains located in a basin that has become a medium-sized city, Gondor is an ancient capital of emperor Fasiladas. In the 17th century, this city of commercial caravans allowed a city to be resurrected with palaces, churches and gardens.

The Royal Palace with all its rooms can still be visited despite demolitions wrought by Sudanese warriors in 1880 and the bombardments by the British in 1941. Besides the royal rooms you can take a look at the "bath" of Fasiladas and the beautiful church of "Selassie" which is just outside the center.

To the south of the Royal Palace lies the large bus station hidden in the middle of a residential area. Large and chaotic like all bus stations in Ethiopia.

Gondor - Geshama (for Lalibela): first you have to go by bus to Geshema; the bus departs at 05:30 whileyou arrive around 13:00. Costs are 154 Birr. And then you can take the bus to Lalibla from Gashema. This costs 40 Birr by bus; 2 o'clock.

TIP: locals will tell you there is no bus between Gashema and Lalibela. Do not be tempted to take an expensive taxi; take a cup of tea and watch the local people and wait for the bus.

• Name: Royal Enclosure

Price: 100 Birr (incl. Fasiladas bath)

Time: only closed during lunch hour

Content: see above (Royal rooms).

• Name: Debre Berhan Selassie Church

Price: 50 Birr

Time: only closed during lunch hour

Content: see above.

Quara Hotel - fantastic location (great view over the center of the city) with a nice terrace - lamb curry with fries and cola = 55 Birr (some touristy). But you can also go to Sofa juice – they have delicious juices for 11 Birr - they also have cakes for 6 Birr (located in the main street).

• Name: Hotel Terrara

Address: Just down the street at Belegez pension

Price: 112 Birr (including shower and toilet)

Content:

Located on a plateau is the beautiful old-fashioned hotel Terrara. Upon entering you imagine yourself back in time but do not be mistaken - it should actually be subjected to a very thorough renovation because it almost falls apart. But perhaps that is the charm.

The large indoor hall, the friendly staff, the guard outside, the cars in front of the hotel and the beautiful large garden with a large terrace where you can drink something surrounded by large palms and other exotic plants. The room I slept in was large (almost a maze) but terribly old and not completely clean.

To my knowledge I had some fleas and other vermin in my bed, and looking at the room that was not that strange. It is in the center of the city.