Trek the Bale Mountains National Park
Rugged vistas and the most exceptional wildlife viewing in Ethiopia
Overview
The park is located 400 kms southeast of Addis Ababa. It includes a large high altitude plateau with numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, pristine tiny alpine lakes, and rushing streams from the mountain descending to deep rocky gorges on their way down to the lowlands. Bale Mountains National Park is one of the largest Afro-Alpine habitats in Africa. It offers visitors with opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, horse trekking, scenic driving, and to view some endemic Ethiopian mammals.
Highlights:
• Stunning views around every turn
• Opportunities to spot Ethiopia’s rare and unique wildlife
• Meet some local villagers along the way
• Fully supplied kitchen and camp staff will transport your luggage and set up camp every day
• You need only carry a daypack for extra layers, water and snacks, hat, and trekking poles
Eastern Ethiopia
Itinerary
Day 1 – Drive from Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains National Park
In the morning after breakfast you will meet with our staff and drive southeast from Addis Ababa via Asella Nazerate road. Pass Adaba and Dodola to Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountain National Park. On the way have lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive in the afternoon and after meeting up with our local guide we will trek around the headquarters to see the endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik Bushback and various native birds. Camp overnight.
Day 2 – Trek from Dinsho to Kotera
In the morning after breakfast trek from Dinsho to Kotera which is 3200m elevation and about 5 hours trekking. On the way admire the surrounding scenery with flora and fauna. Arrive at Fuji Bara waterfalls. Camp overnight.
Day 3 – Trek from Kotera to Wassema
In the morning after breakfast trek from Kotare to Wassema which is 4000m elevation and takes about 5-8 hours of trekking through the spectacular scenery and views. Camp overnight.
Day 4 – Trek from Wassema to Garba Guracha
In the morning after breakfast continue trekking from Wassema to Garba Guracha, an alpine lake on the top of the mountain. It takes about 8 hours passing by Batu Mountain and possibly seeing an Ethiopian wolf. Camp overnight.
Day 5 – Trek Garba Guracha to Sanetti and then drive to the Harenna Forest
Trek from Garba Guracha to Sanetti (about 4 hrs trek). Meet the car on the way possibly observing the Ethiopian wolf, lammergeyers, and other birds of prey, then drive to Harenna Forest and camp overnight.
Day 6 – Full day to Explore Harenna Forest and Sanetti then drive to Goba
Take a full day to explore the Harenna forest and visit some lovely waterfalls. Then drive to the Sanetti plateau to admire the high alpine vistas and the rare Ethiopian Wolves and Tullu Deemtu – the second highest peak in the country. Drive to Goba and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 7 – Drive from Goba to Addis Ababa
In the morning after breakfast return to Addis Ababa. On the way visit a Rift Valley lake, upon arrival in Addis enjoy the evening with a farewell cultural dinner in a traditional restaurant with ethnic music and dance performances.
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Cancellations are allowed if notified earlier than 48 hours prior to trip start
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers
- Dress code is casual trekking attire
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
