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 Dinsho, where the Bale Mountains National Park headquarters is located. On the way, you will stop at Ziway to admire the wonderful birdlife on the shores of this lake. Overnight in Dinsho (camping or in the basic lodge).

Day 2

Depart from Dinsho through the Web Valley toward Finch Abera waterfall. Overnight camping at the Sodota Campsite.

Day 3

Depart from Sodota, following the Wasema River through the valley. Continue to the Worgona Campsite. After setting up camp, take a short trip to the Worgona Mineral Springs for a visit. Overnight camping at Worgona Campsite.

Day 4

Early morning, depart from Worgona Campsite to Garba Guracha. On the way, you will climb Mt. Batu, at 4203 meters. Continue to the campsite in the Tegona Valley, close to Garba Guracha Lake.

Day 5

Early morning departure to the Sanetti Plateau and the Crane Lakes. The Sanetti Plateau is home to the Ethiopian Wolf, endemic to Ethiopia. You may also climb Tullu Deemtu, the highest point in the Bale Mountains at 4377m. At the end of the day, you will be met by your vehicle and continue to Goba overnight (hotel).

Day 6

In the morning, depart from Goba for 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. After the visit, proceed to Lake Langano overnight.

Day 7

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.