Tour overview

The Bale Mountains National Park is known for its wildlife more than any other park in Ethiopia, but it’s a very beautiful place, too. Approaching from Dodola, ridges to the east are punctuated with fortress-like escarpments, standing out from the gentler, rounded rock pinnacles to the north, and great wildlife watching begins as soon as the road cuts through the Gaysay Grassland in the valley between them, which is home to Ethiopia’s densest concentration of large mammals.

Up in the hills are deep gorges, alpine lakes, rushing streams, several waterfalls, lava flows, and views that go on almost forever. It would probably be as popular as the Simien Mountains if it wasn’t located in such a remote corner of the country. For hikers, nature lovers, birders, and wildlife watchers, the Bale Mountains National Park is a must.

Day 1

Depart south from Addis Ababa to Goba. On the way, you will stop at Ziway to admire the wonderful birdlife on the shores of this lake. Overnight in Goba (hotel).

Day 2

Early in the morning, depart from Goba to the Sanetti Plateau, where you will hopefully be lucky enough to spot the endemic Ethiopian wolf in its natural habitat. You will have a full day of hiking in the area. Return to Goba overnight (hotel).

Day 3

In the morning, depart from Goba to the Sof Omar caves. The most famous spot of the caves is the Chamber of Columns, with limestone pillars up to 20m high. From the entrance, you will follow a 1.7km trail through several other chambers; this will take about 1 hour, and you will pass the Web River, which snakes through the cave, seven times. The birdlife in the area is very abundant. Return to Goba overnight (hotel).

Day 4

Early morning, depart from Goba to Lake Langano. On the way, you will have the opportunity to do some hiking near Dinsho, the headquarters of the Bale Mountains National Park. The area around Dinsho boasts a high concentration of wildlife, including mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck (endemic), as well as monkeys, warthogs, and abundant species of birds. Proceed to Lake Langano for overnight (camping or lodge).

Day 5

After a refreshing morning swim in Lake Langano, depart for Addis Ababa. On the way, you may visit the Abiatta-Shala National Park. Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters, is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m. Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.