Bale Mountains trek

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.