Bale Mountains are among the most unspoiled and exceptionally beautiful places in Ethiopia. The peaks rise over 4,000 meters, with Mount Tulu Deemtu standing at an altitude of 4,377 meters above sea level the second-highest peak in the country. This three-day tour offers the opportunity to visit lesser-explored sites, meet local people, explore the largest Afro-Alpine habitat in Africa, and spot a variety of endemic mammals such as the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, Ethiopian bushbuck, giant mole-rat, and Bale monkey, along with a great variety of endemic birds.
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains – Excursion to Gesse Grasslands
In the morning, you will take a flight from Addis Ababa to Bale. Upon arrival, meet your tour guide and begin an excursion to the Gesse grasslands. The drive takes about an hour, passing through stunning and spectacular landscapes. During this journey, you will have the chance to spot endemic wildlife such as the mountain nyala, Ethiopian bushbuck, reedbuck, common warthogs, and olive baboons, as well as various species of Ethiopian birds. The grasslands, located at an elevation of around 3,000 meters above sea level, offer an ideal introduction to the park’s diverse ecosystems. Overnight stay will be at a hotel or camping site.
Day 2: Excursion to Sanetti Plateau
Today, you will embark on an excursion to the Sanetti Plateau to spot the endemic Ethiopian wolf and the giant mole-rat. This Afro-Alpine moorland, due to its high altitude, has limited plant diversity, but one of the most remarkable species here is the giant lobelia, found between 3,100 and 4,377 meters and growing up to 12 meters tall. You will stand at Tullu Deemtu, the second tallest mountain in Ethiopia and the highest peak in the Bale region. From here, explore the vast Afro-Alpine Sanetti Plateau and trek to Garba Guracha Lake, one of the largest alpine lakes in the country. The lake, whose name means “Black Lake” in the local language, lies at over 4,000 meters above sea level and reaches a depth of about six meters. The scenery is breathtaking, with a chance to spot the rare and endangered Ethiopian wolf, Abyssinian hare, and a range of bird species such as the blue-winged goose, ruddy shelduck, spotted-breasted plover, and wattled crane. In the late afternoon, drive to the Harenna Forest, the largest tropical rainforest in Ethiopia. Overnight camping will be in the heart of the forest, surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife.
Day 3: Goba – Addis Ababa (End of Tour)
This morning, after breakfast, you will leave the campsite and return to Goba Airport. Depending on your flight time, there may be an opportunity to explore more of the Harenna Forest before departing. The drive back to Robe takes about two hours, with another chance to spot endemic animals along the way. Upon arrival in Goba, you will enjoy lunch and Ethiopian coffee at one of the best local restaurants before taking a domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in the capital, you will explore the city by visiting the National Museum home of the famous hominid fossil “Lucy” Entoto Mountain, the largest open-air market known as Merkato, and one of the major Orthodox churches. Experience the colorful blend of modern and traditional life in Addis Ababa. In the evening, you will be invited to a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in the city, where you can enjoy a variety of Ethiopian dishes and cultural performances featuring folkloric dancers representing different ethnic groups. After dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home.