5-Day Bale Mountains Trek & Wildlife Adventure

Escape into Ethiopia’s alpine wilderness with a 5-day journey through the Bale Mountains National Park—one of Africa’s most biodiverse and least-explored highlands. From dramatic plateaus and cloud forests to rare wildlife and mountain trekking, this tour is ideal for hikers, birdwatchers, and eco-enthusiasts eager to discover the untouched beauty of Ethiopia’s southern highlands.

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Drive to Dinsho (Bale Mountains HQ)

• Depart Addis Ababa early morning for a scenic full-day drive (7–8 hours) to Dinsho, the gateway to Bale Mountains National Park.

• Stop for lunch in Shashamene or Dodola along the way.

• Afternoon arrival at Dinsho Lodge or campsite within the park.

• Short introductory forest walk to spot endemic species like:

  • Mountain nyala

  • Menelik’s bushbuck

  • Bohor reedbuck

• Dinner and overnight in Dinsho.

Day 2: Trek to Sodota Camp (approx. 6–7 hrs hike)

• Begin trekking through open grasslands and Harenna Forest fringes, one of the last remaining cloud forests in Ethiopia.

• Hike across the Web Valley, known for rich birdlife and sweeping alpine views.

• Spot Ethiopian wolves, warthogs, and raptors along the way.

• Arrive at Sodota Campsite, set on a plateau surrounded by rugged peaks.

• Overnight in tents with full camping support.

Day 3: Trek to Wasema Camp (approx. 5–6 hrs hike)

• Trek along the edge of the Senkelle Escarpment, with spectacular views over the valleys and moorlands.

• Watch for high-altitude wildlife such as:

  • Ethiopian wolves

  • Giant molerats

  • Wattled ibis and other highland birds

• Arrive at Wasema, located near stunning volcanic formations.

• Overnight in tents.

Day 4: Trek to Sanetti Plateau – Drive to Goba

• Morning hike to the Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa’s highest and wildest landscapes (over 4,000 meters).

• Explore the Afro-alpine moorlands by foot and vehicle.

• Drive along the highest all-weather road in Africa, with panoramic views and high chances of spotting:

  • Ethiopian wolves (the world’s rarest canid)

  • Mountain buzzards, lammergeiers, and blue-winged geese

• Afternoon descent to Goba town.

• Overnight in a hotel or lodge in Goba.

Day 5: Goba – Return to Addis Ababa

• Early breakfast and begin the return drive to Addis Ababa.

• Stop for breaks and lunch en route.

• Evening arrival in Addis Ababa; drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

• End of tour.

🌟 Tour Highlights

• Trekking through Afro-alpine landscapes and pristine cloud forests

• Spotting endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, and giant molerat

• Panoramic views from the Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa’s highest roads

• Eco-friendly camping and guided nature experiences

• Ideal for hikers, wildlife photographers, and birdwatchers

✅ Tour Includes

• Round-trip ground transportation from Addis Ababa

• Accommodation: lodge (1 night), camping (2 nights), hotel (1 night)

• Full-board meals during the trek

• Camping gear, cook, and full trek support

• National Park entrance fees and local guide

• English-speaking tour leader

💡 What to Bring

• Warm clothing (nights can be freezing)

• Trekking boots, sleeping bag (if preferred), and rain jacket

• Binoculars and camera for wildlife viewing

• Personal medications and water bottle