9 DAYS TREKKING BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

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Africa’s Largest Afro-Alpine Habitat

Let us take our hearts on a trek through the Bale Mountains National Park and its Forest and listen to the magic whispers of old trees! Trekking for 10 days in Bale mountains national park, has a less inhabited, richer mosaic of high-altitude plateau, heather moorlands, and dense juniper forest, with an easily seen population of endemic mammal’s; mountain nyala and Ethiopian wolf, and some fabulous birds, many of them endemic. Relatively unknown to the west, it is a quiet mountain range that has remained very original.

Tour Itinerary

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9 DAYS TREKKING BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Day-01 Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains National Park
Make an early start today and you will drive south to the town of Dinsho. Enjoying traveling through the striking southern Ethiopian countryside and the rich cultivated land of the Oromo. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, you will have an acclimatization hike. You have a chance to spot two endemic mammals; Menelik’s Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. The endemic Rouget’s Rail and other several birds can be seen here. Covering 2,150 km2 in the southeastern Ethiopian Highlands, Bale Mountains National Park is formed of ancient volcanic rocks, broken by plugs and peaks, the spectacular landscapes of Bale Mountains National Park is characterized by dramatic gorges, alpine lakes and ponds, and numerous rivers and streams. The park is best known for its wildlife, notably its flagship animal, the Ethiopian Wolf, the rarest of all canids. Other Ethiopian endemics, Mountain Nyala, the Big-headed mole-rat, and the bamboo-dependent Bale monkey can be found in the park. Bale is Ethiopia’s top birdwatching hotspot with 14 of Ethiopia’s endemic species being present. The country’s second-highest peak Tulu Dimtu, (4,377m) is located in Bale.

Campsite: Dinsho.

Accommodation: Tent

Altitude: Max. 3200m

Trekking Time: Approx. 2-3hrs.

Distance: 5 kms.
Day-02 Dinsho to Adelay
Today the trek starts from Dinsho and takes you to Adelay campsite. You will walk through Gaysay grassland and Web River and waterfall. The Gaysay grassland region of the Bale Mountain National park is a beautiful pocket of verdant landscapes, thick shrubbery, and picturesque meadows. The grasslands are the best place for viewing the endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and the ever-present, Bohor Reedbuck, play Other mammals that are commonly seen are Warthog, Grey Duiker, Serval, and Golden Jackal, along with the spotted Hyena at night. Birds, Abyssinian Long Claw, Winding Cisticola, Marsh Harrier, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Spot-Breasted Plover, Rouget’s Rail, Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian catbird are all common on this route. The night will be spent in the natural woodland.

Campsite: Adelay (3,400m)

Accommodation: Tent

Altitude: Max. 3,400m

Trekking Time: Approx. 5-6hrs

Distance: 15kms.
Day-03 Adelay to Sodota
Today the trek starts from Dinsho and takes you to Adelay campsite. You will walk through Gaysay grassland and Web River and waterfall. The Gaysay grassland region of the Bale Mountain National park is a beautiful pocket of verdant landscapes, thick shrubbery, and picturesque meadows. The grasslands are the best place for viewing the endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and the ever-present, Bohor Reedbuck, play Other mammals that are commonly seen are Warthog, Grey Duiker, Serval, and Golden Jackal, along with the spotted Hyena at night. Birds, Abyssinian Long Claw, Winding Cisticola, Marsh Harrier, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Spot-Breasted Plover, Rouget’s Rail, Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian catbird are all common on this route. The night will be spent in the natural woodland.

Campsite: Adelay (3,400m)

Accommodation: Tent

Altitude: Max. 3,400m

Trekking Time: Approx. 5-6hrs

Distance: 15kms.
Day-04 Sodota to Keyrensa
The objective of the day’s hike is to reach the Keyrensa campsite which is located at an altitude of 3,750m. Once again the trek takes you through amazing sceneries of the Bale Mountains. There is an opportunity to see many species of birds such as the Tawny Eagle, Lammergeyer and Bearded Vulture. The Ethiopian Wolf and its prey species the Ethiopian Giant Mole Rat can also be seen. On arrival at the campsite, you will have a nice coffee/tea break.

Campsite: Keyrensa (3,750m)

Accommodation : Tent

Altitude: Max. 3,800m.

Trekking Time: Approx. 7-8hrs.

Distance: 20kms
Day-05 Keyrensa to Rafu
This morning the walk will take you up a steep climb to Rafu campsite situated in the incredible mind-bending natural ‘stone forest’ of the plateau. The hike to Rafu campsite is about 18km. On the way, there is an interesting viewpoint for photography and bird watching. Then you will pass by the volcanic rock pillars near Rafu from where you enjoy the stunning panoramic view. The rock pinnacles of Rafu were formed by a volcanic lave flow and are located at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level. It is now a field of towering rock pinnacles, some over 10m high. The camp will be set up, nestled in between the stones in this surreal and beautiful setting. There is an option to ascend a small peak from this camp, affording incredible views of the Harenna Forest to the south.

Campsite: Rafu (4,000m)

Accommodation: Tent

Altitude: Max. 4,000m

Trekking Time: Approx. 7-8hrs

Distance: 18kms.
Day-06 Rafu to Gebre Guracha
After morning breakfast, you will commence the long trek to Gebre Guracha campsite located around the largest alpine lake in the Bale Mountains. This lake, known as Gebre Guracha meaning the ‘Black Lake’, reaches a depth of around 6m and a variety of water birds usually stay around the lake. There is a chance to spot the rare Ethiopian Wolf once more, along with high-altitude birds and shrubs. After reaching the campsite, you will take a walk around the lake and see some waterbirds, and admire the surrounding scenery.

Campsite: Gebre Guracha (4,100m)

Accommodation: Tent

Altitude: Max. 4,370m.

Trekking Time: Approx. 10hrs.

Distance: 22kms.
Day-07 Gebre Guracha to Konte to Goba

This morning after breakfast, heading to the main road to meet the vehicles and drive to the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia, Mount Tulu Dimtu, situated at a height 4377 meters above sea level. Then drive further down to Harenna forest (the largest tropical rainforest in Ethiopia). The southern part of the national park holds unique vegetation and animals. We explore parts of the pristine Harenna forest on foot and hopefully spot the endemic Bale monkeys as well as Colobus monkeys. Finally, turn back and drive to Goba town where you will spend the night in a Hotel.

Day-08 Goba to Langano

Depart Goba and drive towards Lake Langano through the Ethiopian Rift valley. The Ethiopian Rift valley is part of the Afro-Arabian Rift system and it offers eight spectacular chains of lakes. It is home to varied bird populations, including both Savannah and water birds. Some of the lakes such as Abijata, Shalla, and Awassa are extremely important sites for resident and migrant birds. In addition to its chain of lakes, the Ethiopian section of the Rift has national parks. Arrive at Lake Langano and transfer to your Lodge which is located close to the lake. The rest of the day will be free to relax and enjoy at the lakeside. A huge number of birds and other creatures come to the lake to swim and drink. You can enjoy a swim in the lake or just relax and read your favorite book.

Day-09 Langano to Addis Ababa & Departure

Begin the day with a visit to Abijatta-Shalla Lakes Park. Besides the two lakes, the primary attractions of this national park are a number of hot springs on the northeast corner of Lake Abijatta, large numbers of flamingoes on the lake, and plenty of birds. There are also some mammals living in this park. Then start driving back to Addis Ababa via the Ethiopian rift valley. Along the way, stop at Lake Ziway which is famous for its Birdlife and Islands. After the lunch break, you will have time for shopping. Then you will be transferred to your hotel to prepare your luggage and get ready for your return flight back home. In the evening, before your international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant. Finally, your driver will take you to Bole International Airport and take your flight back home. Your Ethiopian Adventure ends here.

Package Destination Map

Package Features List

Include Features

A trained chef will be in charge of cooking the meals during the trek
Accommodation in single /twin share room
All camping gears, Tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses are all included
International Air, unless expressly paid for
On this trekking, you will have mules and a mule handler to, carry your backpack, food, and camping gear
Park ranger/scout
Professional English-speaking guide at all times
Site entrance fees are included
Surface transportation (with the latest vehicle), Car maintenance, Fuel expense, Parking fees
Unlimited bottled water throughout the journey
While trekking, there are always tables and chairs
You will spend the night in various campsites along the route while on the trek.