Bale Mountains National Park holds the largest Afro-alpine habitat in Africa. It is a vast high-altitude plateau, fragmented by remarkable volcanic plugs, towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and mountain streams that descend into deep gorges on their way to the lowlands. This park is a haven for unique wildlife, including endemic mammals such as the Ethiopian wolf, Mountain Nyala, Bale monkey, and many endemic bird species. With peaks rising over 4,000m, including Mount Tullu Deemtu (4,377m), Ethiopia’s second-highest mountain, the Bale Mountains remain unspoiled, secluded, and exceptionally beautiful.
Day 1 Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains
After breakfast, meet your guide and drive through the Great Rift Valley towards the Bale Mountains. Lunch will be en route at one of Ethiopia’s finest restaurants.
Upon arrival, proceed to the park headquarters and begin your first hike. Here, you may encounter endemic and endangered mammals such as Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian bushbuck, warthogs, reedbuck, gray duiker, and baboons. The juniper woodlands also host birdlife including Abyssinian catbird, white-backed black tit, black-headed siskin, and wattled ibis. Overnight camping at 2,800m above sea level.
Day 2 Trek Dinsho – Sodota Campsite
After breakfast, begin a 20km trek from Dinsho through the stunning Web Valley towards Fincha Habera, where the Web and Wolla rivers meet. This area offers your first chance to spot the Ethiopian wolf, along with raptors, rock hyrax, and endemic birds such as the blue-winged goose. Overnight at Sodota campsite (3,500m).
Day 3 Trek Sodota – Wassama
Continue trekking through spectacular landscapes with panoramic views. Pass cliffs where Lammergeyer and Verreaux’s eagles nest. Along the way, you may spot the Ethiopian wolf and abundant birdlife. Trekking will take 7–8 hours. Overnight at Wassama campsite (3,900m).
Day 4 Trek Wassama – Rafu
This section highlights the geological history of the Bale massif. The volcanic origins and Ice Age glaciers have shaped dramatic basalt pipes and granite boulders, making this trek an awe-inspiring experience. Walking between Kerrensa and Rafu takes about 6–7 hours. Overnight at Rafu campsite (4,000m).
Day 5 Trek Rafu – Sanetti Plateau
After breakfast, trek toward the Sanetti Plateau, home to the Ethiopian wolf, giant mole-rat, and other endemic wildlife. Visit Garba Guracha, the largest alpine lake in the region, and enjoy the stunning view of Mount Tullu Deemtu (4,377m). The Sanetti Plateau, known as the heartland of the Ethiopian wolf, hosts more than 350 individuals, along with mountain nyala and over 310 bird species—making Bale one of Africa’s best birding destinations. Overnight at Sanetti campsite.
Day 6 Sanetti Plateau – Harenna Forest
After breakfast, drive about one hour from the plateau to Harenna Forest, Ethiopia’s second-largest tropical rainforest. Spend the day exploring its lush greenery and searching for endemic mammals such as the Bale monkey, giant forest hog, and bushpig. Overnight in the heart of the tropical rainforest.
Day 7 Return to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, begin the drive back to Addis Ababa. Along the way, stop for lunch and enjoy aquatic birds and lakeside scenery. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, with live music and cultural dances representing Ethiopia’s many ethnic groups. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your international departure.