How the lodge was built: The original plan to build a lodge in the Simiens dates back to the times of Haile Selassie when a multi storey modern hotel was planned. Fortunately this was never built. It would have ruined the park. The modern day owners spent time looking at lodges in the national parks in Kenya before deciding to build a lodge which resembles a typical Simien village. Architects were engaged in Addis but the very first plans did not correspond at all with the ideas of the owners. Indeed the roofs styles were more oriental than Ethiopian. Work started in October 2004. On the very first day some 150 people showed up for the 40 jobs being offered to dig the foundations. With the assistance of the village leaders an election was held for the first jobs. Only people who sent their children to school were eligible. We also stated that we wanted at least 25% women on site. The whole process was a success; democracy in action. From then on we decided that the village leaders would play a key role in recruitment and management. All the stones were collected from the ground of the Simien Park.No excavations were made and no stone was imported from outside the area. Stone was simply picked up and carried to the truck whereby it was transported to the site. All the water had to be carried to the site from the various springs. We did not have electricity and could not pump water. It would be 15 months before the electricity would be installed. We did not want to use a generator so as not to pollute the land. We had seen diesel generators in other places and the black stains they leave behind. We simply could not do this in places where the Gelada feed The bamboo for the ceiling was brought in from the Lake Tana area. Although not strictly Simien, it displays best how Ethiopian materials can be used effectively to provide an aesthetic appearance. There were the odd times for relaxation but generally it was very hard work. When not on site the management team were busy sourcing building materials in the Middle East or Europe. All rooms are insulated with fibre glass from France and it is believed that this is the only building in East Africa to have ceiling and wall insulation. The underfloor heating comes from Greece. The bathrooms are German. The tiles were imported in two large containers from Spain. The kitchen equipment is Turkish and Swiss. The towels and linen are from Pakistan. It is a truly Ethiopian project on an international scale. Finally of course we have had to comply (and impose ourselves) some very high environmental standards. Local inspectors have been on site quite often. We have paid attention to drainage, litter, and traffic distrurbance. This has meant that the cost of construction has been very high when compared to the initial plane. However the Simien Park is one of the last true wildlife parks in Africa that have not been disrupted by irresponsible tourism. The owners recognise the responsibility to construct correctly.