Bale Mountains trek

Duration: 4 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 0 - 10 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day

> Enjoy Lake Ziway and its birdlife
> See Giant Forest Hog and Vervet monkeys
> Visit a Coffee Farm

The amazing Bale mountains National Park is located in southeast side Ethiopia (Oromo region). It is a protected area of approximately 2200 km2 and can be found 400 km southeast of the capital (Addis Abeba). It covers the largest area higher than 3000 meter above sea level in Africa.

The highest pick is called Tillu Dimtu which is 4377 masl and the lowest place in Bale is Harana, which is 700masl. The park includes an afro alpine plateau over 3500 meter masl which is the largest area of afro alpine Habitats, where animals like Ethiopian wolves and the giant mole rat live.

Bale is the best place for trekking and birding. Afrer 6-8hrs drive from Addis Abeba to the National headquarter take your time to Enjoy this wonderful place.

Itinerary

Day
1

Addis Ababa - Dinsho - Goba

Your trek starts in Addis Ababa. 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 overnight stay. On arrival, you will check into a hotel. In the evening, you will have dinner and stay the night at the hotel. Overnight stay in Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.

Wabe Shebelle Hotel

Info
Wabe Shebelle Hotel
Day
2

Day trip to Sanetti Plateau

In the morning, you will have breakfast and drive to the Sanetti Plateau (altitude of 4000 meter, with Afro-alpine Moorland, 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. Overnight stay in Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.

Wabe Shebelle Hotel

Info
Wabe Shebelle Hotel
Day
3

Dola Mena

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 Dola Mena takes about an hour. En route one has a chance to see Giant Forest Hog 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 said to amongst the best in the world. At certain times in the year, post rains, the wild coffee can be seen drying at the side of the road. Dolo Mena is a small town, where one can savour the coffee and locally collected wild honey. A camel market is frequently held along with a local market for other traders. Few tourists venture here, and so it is still unspoilt in its daily activities. 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 which are indigenous to the dry conditions. Overnight stay in Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.

Wabe Shebelle Hotel

Info
Wabe Shebelle Hotel
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Transfers

    All necessary transfers (bus, taxi, private transport, etc.) as described in the itinerary are included.

  • Hotel

    During your trek you will be staying in the hotels as mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Meals

    This trek includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Professional guide

    During your trek, you will at all times be accompanied by an English speaking guide.

  • Permits

    The cost of permits to enter the national park during your trek is included in the price.

  • Porters

    Porters will be there to assist with carrying all camping and other necessary equipment during your trek.

  • Water

    Enough drinking water will be provided during the trip.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    This trip does not include costs for transportation (flights, bus travel, etc.) to your destination.

  • Tipping

    Gratuities for the guide are not covered by the trek's price. The amount to tip is at your discretion, yet if you've received excellent service from your guide, considering a generous tip is appreciated.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the trek

    Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks at the bar and other similar expenses are your own responsibility.

FAQ

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Contact our Trekking Expert
Jan Bakker
Jan Bakker
This trek is operated by
Simien Mountain Tours

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