This is an unforgettable 4-day trekking adventure in the breathtaking Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most pristine and diverse highland ecosystems. Located in southeastern Ethiopia, this UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot offers dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife, and unique cultural encounters.
This tour takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, stunning escarpments, and the vast Sanetti Plateau—home to the Ethiopian wolf, the world’s rarest canid. You’ll traverse rugged trails, pass through traditional villages, and camp under the starlit African sky.
The Bale Mountains are also renowned for their rich birdlife, endemic plants, and iconic features like the Harenna Forest and Tulu Dimtu, Ethiopia’s second-highest peak. This trek is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to explore one of Africa’s hidden gems.
Highlights:
- Explore the Sanetti Plateau, a critical habitat for Ethiopian wolves.
- Trek to the summit of Tulu Dimtu (4,377 meters).
- Immerse yourself in the ancient Harenna Forest, home to rare species and traditional honey harvesting.
- Spot endemic wildlife, including mountain nyalas, Menelik’s bushbucks, and giant molerats.
- Experience the serene beauty of high-altitude lakes and dramatic escarpments.
Who is this tour for?
This tour is ideal for moderately experienced trekkers who appreciate a mix of adventure and wildlife. While the trails are challenging, they promise rewarding views and unforgettable experiences.
Prepare to disconnect from the world, reconnect with nature, and be awed by the raw beauty of Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains.
Day 1 Drive to Dinsho(from Addis Ababa), Bale Mountains National Park HQ – Goba
Bale Mountains National Park
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 an overnight stay.
Duration: 9 hours
Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.
Day 2 Day trip to Sanetti Plateau
Sanetti Plateau
In the morning, you will have breakfast and drive to the Sanetti Plateau (altitude of 4000 meters, with Afro-alpine Moorland, and 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.
Duration: 6 hours
Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.
Day 3 Bale Mountains National Park
Around 40km or so to the south, the pristine Harenna forest drops into the dry, dusty rift valley. A trip south from the Lodge to the small town of Dolo Mena takes about an hour. En route one has a chance to see Giant Forest Hogs and Vervet monkeys along with myriad butterflies that flutter through the shadows and sunlight. Small temporary camps may be seen, springing up where wild coffee is harvested from the forest; coffee is said to be amongst the best in the world. Approximately 20 km further on from Dola Mena are the Welman River Falls and caves – home to a hermit – which have religious significance. Those able-bodied enough can crawl through the caves and pass behind the waterfall onto the river bank opposite. The Rift Valley also offers an opportunity to spot birds that are indigenous to the dry conditions.
Duration: 8 hours
Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.
Day 4 Drive back to Addis via Bekoji – Assela & departure
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 have a transfer out to Bole International Airport for a return flight back home.
Duration: 10 hours
Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not Included
