Discover the Bale Mountains: 4-Day Trekking Journey through a National Park

Explore the Majestic Bale Mountains

The park is known for being home to the Ethiopian wolf, Mountain Nyala, giant molerat and Bale monkey. The high altitude, Afromontane Sanetti Plateau rises to over 4,000 m and includes the highest peak in the southern Ethiopian highlands. This undulating plateau is marked by numerous glacial lakes and swamps and surrounded by higher volcanic ridges and peaks. The southern slopes are covered by the lush and largely unexplored Harenna Forest. Its high mountains, sweeping valleys, dramatic escarpment and wide expanses of forests provide visitors with a diversity of vistas unique to the Ethiopian highlands. UNESCO has estimated that more mammal species would become extinct were the habitats of the Bale Mountains to decline than if any other area of equivalent size on the globe were to disappear and, when this is combined with rare amphibian species, endemic birds and spectacular flora, it is easy to see why the park is designated as a Biodiversity Hotspot by Conservation International.

Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Dinsho

In the morning, you will drive to Dinsho, via Shashemene (410 Km from Addis). En route, you will make a stop on Awash River and Lake Ziway (best known for its birdlife) to visit aquatic birds. You will have lunch at Shashemene (250 Km from Addis). You will proceed driving and arrive in Dinsho in the afternoon. Upon arrival, you will do all the requirements for short easy trekking at the Bale Mountains National Park HQ. After a brief break, you will have time to make a short hike along the northern part of the park. Later late in the afternoon drive to Goba (40 Km from Dinsho) for overnight stay. On arrival, you will check into a hotel. In the evening, you will have dinner and stay the night at the hotel.

SIGHTSEEING

• Lake Ziway and its birdlife
• Mountain Nyala
• Minilk Bush back

Overnight stay in Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.

Day 2: Sanetti Plateau Exploration

In the morning, you will have breakfast and drive to the Sanetti Plateau (altitude of 4000 meters, with Afro-alpine Moorland, beautiful wild alpine scenery). Upon arrival in Goba, you will check into a hotel and rest. In the evening, you will have dinner and stay the night at the hotel.

SIGHTSEEING

• Ethiopian wolf
• Birdlife

Overnight stay in Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.

Day 3: Harenna Forest Adventure

To the south of the Park lies a 1200m (3700 ft) escarpment, below which is one of the largest and most extensive forests remaining in Ethiopia, the Harenna Forest. The slope of the southern escarpment falls rapidly from the tree line at 3200m to around 2000m within a distance of only 8 km, producing a rapid and spectacular change in landscape, habitat, and species composition. The Bale Mountain Lodge is located beside a clear mountain stream, within a natural forest clearing beneath the escarpment, and enjoys breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding forest. Here rare Bale Monkeys inhabit the trees and the birdlife is spectacular. Wild coffee is harvested to the south of the lodge and delicious Bale honey is obtained by the local people from hives placed high within the canopy. Here is also found 3% of Africas remaining bamboo forest. Harenna is truly a magical place in which to relax or to explore.

SIGHTSEEING

• Harenna Forest
• Coffee Farms
• Bale Honey

Overnight stay in Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.

Day 4: Return to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, you will be driving to Addis Ababa. You will stop for lunch at Assela. You will arrive in Addis Ababa late afternoon where you will do some shopping for souvenirs. Finally, you will be taken to a farewell dinner depending on your scheduled flight; you will be transferred out to Bole International Airport for return flight back home.

END OF THE TOUR!

Inclusions

• 3 Nights Accommodation in a shared room. $35.00pp for Single Room Occupancy;
• Private Air Conditioned Vehicle;
• English Speaking Professional Guide;
• Bottle of Water;
• Porter Fee;
• From and to Airport Transfers;
• All Entrance Fees;
• Applicable Local Guide;
• Service Charge and Tax.

Exclusions

• Any Accommodation on the last day;
• International Airfare;
• FOC Leader;
• Alcoholic Expenses;
• Photography fee:
• Tips for Service Providers;
• And what is NOT included on the Included List.

Dive into the enchanting heart of Ethiopia and explore the Bale Mountains National Park, a sanctuary for unique creatures and breathtaking landscapes. This park is a marvel of natural beauty, featuring high-altitude paradises and dense forests rich in biodiversity. Key points for tour participants:

• The park is home to unique wildlife including the Ethiopian wolf, Mountain Nyala, giant molerat, and Bale monkey.
• Features the high altitude Afromontane Sanetti Plateau, rising over 4,000 m with the highest peak in the southern Ethiopian highlands.
• The plateau is characterized by glacial lakes, swamps, and is surrounded by volcanic ridges and peaks.
• Boasts the lush Harenna Forest on its southern slopes, known for being largely unexplored.
• Offers diverse vistas including high mountains, sweeping valleys, and wide expanses of forests.
• Designated as a Biodiversity Hotspot by Conservation International due to its unique mammal species, rare amphibians, endemic birds, and spectacular flora.
• UNESCO highlights the potential massive impact on mammal species extinction if the Bale Mountains' habitats were to decline.