Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver Lounge

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 2

Ethiopian Airlines owns the lounge market at Addis Ababa Bole International airport, with no less than three lounges at Terminal 2. The ShebaMiles Silver lounge is the airline’s “entry-level” product, with the most generous access rules. As its name suggests, the ShebaMiles Silver lounge welcomes Ethiopian’s frequent flyer program lower-tier (Silver) members.

The ShebaMiles Silver lounge can be a little difficult to find – it is located one “row” of stores away from security and the gates, to the very left of the terminal, when facing away from the gates.

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver Lounge ADD design

The term “design” does not come to mind when describing the Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver lounge. The bare room is hanging by a thread – the ceiling tiles are crumbling, the white marble floor has yellow hues, and the furniture is a relic from a bygone age. There isn’t much of an attempt at a décor anyway, or perhaps the red walls and green and red furniture are merely an acquired taste that we’re not sensitive to.

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 2

The lounge benefits from ample natural light during the day, thanks to the terminal building’s glass roof. Come the evening though, and it is soon apparent that the club has little to no lighting, which gives the space an oddly dim and depressing vibe. Given its location at the center of the terminal building, the lounge also lacks windows and can feel somewhat claustrophobic.

The seats are old, but comfortable. They’re placed semi-randomly, though – the whole appearance and appeal of the lounge would greatly improve should the staff take a few minutes to align the furniture.

Most seats come with a coffee table or side console, including some with built-in power and USB outlets, though finding a plug in working order might be a challenge.

Overall, the seating layout is relatively spacious, and a few seats offer a comfortable degree of privacy. Despite its lack of intrinsic physical qualities, the ShebaMiles Silver lounge has the merit of feeling reasonably private, which is its main draw coming from the bustling terminal.

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver Lounge ADD amenities

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 2

The Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver lounge offers a simple but generous hot buffet, with international and Ethiopian fare. The drink selection is pretty modest, but covers all the basics – hot coffee, water, and juices, plus the occasional bottle of local wine.

A selection of newspapers and magazines is available and includes international press.

The lounge lacks one key amenity: Wi-Fi. While the airport does operate a complimentary network, unfortunately reception from the ShebaMiles Silver lounge is spotty to non-existent. Three shared computers are available should you need to browse the web.

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 2

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver Lounge ADD bottom line

The Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles Silver lounge at Addis Ababa airport won’t turn heads. The club looks pretty grim, especially at nights, and is quite the contrast coming off Ethiopian’s swanky new aircraft.

Yet, the quiet, subdued ambiance of the ShebaMiles Silver lounge is a reprieve from the noise of the terminal. The club offers a quiet and private haven and is a significant perk for ShebaMiles Silver members. The buffet is a highlight, the staff is courteous and helpful, and personal assistance is available should a delay or travel disruption occur. We just wish Ethiopian Airlines would add Wi-Fi.

Note that all Ethiopian Airlines lounges are located before security. Be sure to leave early in order to make it to your gate on time.