Mad Vervet Hostel - Addis

For $10 a night, I guess you get what you pay for. Mad vervet is in a central spot near Bole and is, if not Addis Ababa’s only hostel, definitely its most affordable option for budget travelers. The place needs maintenance: lots of amenities need fixing, the rooms aren’t cleaned well, and the sheets and curtains should be replaced. Still, the staff are lovely and accommodating, willing to help you find your way around the country. It’s also a good hub for meeting other travelers and making connections.

Naomi at the front desk was the best part for me, she’s incredibly helpful. The staff also care a lot about keeping the hostel safe for everyone, whatever their race, religion, sex, nationality or sexual preference. It’s a social place, though not a party hostel. People hang out in the outdoor area by the building, and some have a beer.

You can leave your luggage here for free while you’re away on tours, and there’s plenty of green space. It feels safe and secure, with a bar attached, breakfast options, and help with whatever you might need. Shops, kiosks, laundry, bars and restaurants are just around the corner, and the airport is close. If your driver can’t find it, send them to Blue Sky hotel and guide them from there by map. The kitchen isn’t well equipped, with plates and bowls hard to find, and it’s usually dirty because guests don’t clean up after themselves. I wouldn’t want to prepare food there. The bathrooms are very worn down and the showers are creepy. Staff are often absent, though other guests are helpful. It’s a perfect hub for travelers and backpackers: you meet people, make friends, and get the information, numbers and deals you need for adventures in Ethiopia.

There’s not much reason to stay here beyond meeting other travelers, since it seems to be the only hostel in Addis and hotel rooms cost about the same as a dorm bed. They also insist on payment in USD or euros and won’t accept Ethiopian currency. The place has potential, but guests aren’t kept on top of cleaning up, so the kitchen and common area can get pretty messy.