Our years of experience and extensive network of local partners can help you build your dream trip from the endless possibilities of Ethiopia. We’ll talk through your ideas, give you some suggestions, set it all up and advise on travel, kit and preparation, so that you get the Ethiopian adventure you’ve always wanted.
Bale Mountains & Rift Valley Lakes
Transportation
Drive
Duration
3 Nights and 4 Days
Accommodation
Hotels, Lodge
The Bale Mountains and the Rift Valley Lakes region offer an incredible blend of dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural experiences. On this 4-day adventure, you will explore Ethiopia’s pristine highlands, home to rare wildlife such as the Ethiopian Wolf and the Mountain Nyala, and discover the stunning Rift Valley Lakes that lie at the heart of the East African Rift System. From the windswept heights of the Sanetti Plateau to the lush Harena Forest, this tour immerses you in Ethiopia’s natural beauty and wildlife wonders, making it a must for nature lovers and avid birdwatchers.
Detail Itinerary
Morning: Depart for Bale Mountains
Your journey begins early in the morning as you leave Addis Ababa and drive south through the Rift Valley region. Along the way, you’ll be able to witness the varied landscapes, from lowland plains to rolling hills, as you ascend into the highlands. This scenic drive offers a first glimpse into the dramatic beauty of Ethiopia’s diverse ecosystems.
Afternoon: Arrival at Dinsho – Bale Mountains National Park Headquarters
Your first stop will be at Dinsho, the headquarters of the Bale Mountains National Park. This is a great spot for wildlife viewing, where you might see the Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Warthogs, and a variety of birds, including the Abyssinian Catbird, Abyssinian Long-eared Owl, and the White-backed Black Tit.
After some time exploring Dinsho, continue your journey across the Sanetti Plateau. This high-altitude plateau is home to the Ethiopian Wolf, the rarest wolf species in the world, and is a perfect spot to see this elusive animal in its natural environment. The landscape here is breathtaking, with vast, windswept plains and dramatic views.
Overnight: Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Bale Mountains.
Morning: Ascend the Bale Massif & Sanetti Plateau
Today, your journey takes you to the Sanetti Plateau, a high-altitude wilderness that rises between 3800m and 4377m above sea level. Known as an Important Bird Area, the Sanetti Plateau is home to several globally threatened species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The plateau supports nearly all of Ethiopia’s Highland Biome species, providing excellent opportunities to spot rare birds and endemic species.
The main highlight of today’s wildlife search is the Ethiopian Wolf. With its vibrant, reddish coat, this rare canid is a sight to behold as it hunts its main prey—Giant Mole-rats, which are also endemic to the plateau. Observing these fascinating wolves as they stalk and pounce on their prey is a truly unique experience, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for remarkable photography in this otherworldly mountain landscape.
Afternoon: Continue Birding & Wildlife Spotting
In addition to the wolves, the plateau is home to other intriguing wildlife, including Bale Monkey and Menelik’s Bushbuck. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the variety of species that inhabit this high-altitude paradise, with potential sightings of Endemic Ethiopian Species like the Blue-winged Goose, Ethiopian Bush-crow, and others. Afternoon Walk in Harena Forest
Start your final day with a short, scenic walk in the Harena Forest, a beautiful area that lies within the Bale Mountains National Park. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species, and its lush greenery offers a pleasant contrast to the high-altitude plateau. This peaceful walk will allow you to take in the beauty of the forest while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as Colobus Monkeys and various birds.
Overnight: Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Bale Gobal
The Ethiopian Rift Valley is a stunning geological wonder, part of the larger Great Rift Valley. Stretching over 1,000 kilometers, it’s a region marked by deep valleys, volcanic peaks, and beautiful lakes. The Rift Valley Lakes, including Lake Tana, Lake Ziway, Lake Langano, Lake Awasa, and Lake Abijatta, are known for their unique ecosystems, rich birdlife, and dramatic landscapes. These lakes are home to endemic species and offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife watching, birding, and relaxation. The Ethiopian Rift Valley is a true natural treasure, blending striking scenery with rich biodiversity.
Overnight: Haile Resort, Hawassa
Afternoon: Drive Back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, Lake Abijatta and Lake Shala: Known for their contrasting characteristics, with Lake Abijatta being a shallow soda lake, while Lake Shala is a deep, saline lake with dramatic cliffs. These lakes are both UNESCO biosphere reserves. drive back to Addis Ababa. On the way, you’ll pass through Nazreth (Adama), a bustling town in the Rift Valley region, before continuing your journey north towards the capital.Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or the airport, depending on your travel plans.
Tour Highlights:
Bale Mountains National Park: Explore one of Ethiopia’s most biologically rich areas, home to unique wildlife and stunning high-altitude landscapes.
Ethiopian Wolf: Spot the world’s rarest canid in its natural habitat on the Sanetti Plateau.
Mountain Nyala & Menelik’s Bushbuck: Witness these iconic, endemic species of the Ethiopian highlands.
Harena Forest: Discover the lush, biodiverse forest that contrasts with the high mountain plateaus.
Birdwatching: Enjoy incredible birdwatching opportunities, with sightings of species such as the Blue-winged Goose, Ethiopian Bush-crow, and Abyssinian Long-eared Owl.
Rift Valley Region: Journey through the Rift Valley, known for its stunning geological formations and rich wildlife.
This 4-day adventure offers an unforgettable journey into the highlands of southern Ethiopia, where rare wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and cultural experiences await. Whether you’re trekking through the Bale Mountains, observing the endangered Ethiopian Wolf, or marveling at the serene beauty of the Rift Valley, this tour is a true exploration of Ethiopia’s wild heart. Ready to embark on the adventure? The Bale Mountains await!