6 Days Bale Mountain National Park Trekking

This expedition takes you to the stunning Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most picturesque regions, offering exceptional birding opportunities. Your days will be filled with exploring the alpine moorlands and Harenna forests, where you’ll keep an eye out for some of Ethiopia’s rarest bird species. In addition to its remarkable birdlife, the park is home to the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf, Ethiopia’s flagship mammal. With fewer than 600 individuals remaining, spotting this elusive predator is one of the journey’s key highlights. Special efforts will be made to track down this rare species as you explore the high-altitude habitats.

Program in Detail

Day 01: Arrival – Sightseeing in Addis Ababa (“The New Flower”)
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After refreshing, your sightseeing of Addis begins with a drive up Mount Entoto, offering panoramic views of the city. Descend to the National Museum, where you’ll see the fossil of “Lucy,” the oldest hominid. Continue your tour with a visit to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built during WWII, and then to the Ethnographic Museum, once the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. To wrap up the day, head to Merkato, East Africa’s largest market.
Overnight at Aya Hotel Addis (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 02: Drive to Goba (250 km, 6 – 7 hrs drive)
After breakfast, depart for Goba, making a stop at Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park. In this area, you may encounter endemic species such as Mountain Nyala and Menelik Bushbuck.
Overnight at Wabi Shebelle Hotel Goba (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 03: Excursion to Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest (100 km, 6 – 7 hrs drive)
Today, embark on an excursion to Sanetti Plateau, the highest plateau in Africa. Here, you may encounter the elusive Ethiopian Wolf. Then, visit Harenna Forest, the second-largest forest in Ethiopia, known for its rich biodiversity. Overnight at Wabi Shebelle Hotel Goba (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 04: Drive from Goba to Wendo Genet and Yirgalem
Leaving Goba, drive to Wendo Genet, where you can relax in natural hot springs and spot various bird species. After lunch, continue your drive to Yirgalem, passing through towns known for coffee and fruit cultivation, surrounded by splendid greenery. Arrive at Aregash Lodge, a natural retreat blending with its surroundings. The bamboo-thatched Tukuls are inspired by the traditional Sidama villages nearby. The lodge’s surrounding forest is home to diverse wildlife and bird species, while the nearby coffee plantations and nightly visits from hyenas add to the charm of the area. Overnight at Aregash Lodge (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 05: Drive from Yirgalem to Awassa and Langano
After breakfast, drive south to Awassa and visit the lively fish market by Lake Awassa. Take a boat tour to spot the resident hippos, then continue your drive to Lake Langano, a great place to enjoy water activities and relax by the lake. Overnight at Africa Vacation Lodge (Bed, Breakfast, and Dinner)

Day 06: Drive from Yirgalem to Addis Ababa – Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Addis Ababa. En route, visit Lake Ziway, the largest of the upper Rift Valley lakes, covering 400 sq. km. Its shores are lined with water lilies and serve as a breeding ground for various bird species. Enjoy sightseeing along the way.
In the evening, attend a folkloric dinner, where you’ll taste traditional Ethiopian dishes and enjoy dances from various ethnic groups. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be performed. Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.