Bale Mountain Trekking

Bale Mountain Trekking

A Majestic Journey through Ethiopia's Alpine Wonderland

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Introducing Bale Mountain Trekking

A Majestic Journey through Ethiopia's Alpine Wonderland

Dive headfirst into an exploration on a mesmerizing expedition into the heart of Ethiopia's natural wonders with our exclusive itinerary, "Bale Mountain Trekking: A Majestic Journey through Ethiopia's Alpine Wonderland." From the vibrant city of Addis Ababa to the serene shores of Lake Langano, and from the untamed beauty of Bale Mountains National Park to the captivating Harenna Forest, every step of this journey reveals the awe-inspiring landscapes and remarkable biodiversity of Ethiopia.

Immerse yourself in the rich flora and fauna of the Bale Mountains as you trek through lush forests, encounter endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian Wolf and Mountain Nyala, and marvel at the dramatic volcanic formations that shape this extraordinary region.

Let Sawla Tours be your guide to this unforgettable adventure, where nature's grandeur and Ethiopia's natural heritage converge in a symphony of breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences.

Destination Highlights
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Highlighted Destinations

  • Begin your adventure in Ethiopia's capital, a bustling city with vibrant markets, museums, and a unique multiethnic culture.

  • Relax on the shores of this serene lake, surrounded by pristine nature and abundant wildlife.

  • Explore the headquarters of the Bale Mountains National Park and encounter endemic wildlife such as Menelik bushbucks and mountain nyala.

  • Trek through stunning landscapes, witness the meeting of rivers, and catch glimpses of the elusive Ethiopian wolf.

  • Discover the dramatic volcanic rock formations and enjoy panoramic views of the Bale Mountains.

  • Take a leisurely walk around the enchanting Gerba Guracha, the largest lake in the Bale Mountains, teeming with water birds.

  • Trek across the high-altitude plateau, spot the Ethiopian wolf, and climb Mount Tullu Deemtu for breathtaking vistas.

  • Descend the majestic Harenna Escarpment and immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the largest rainforest in Ethiopia.

  • Visit the gateway town to the Bale Mountains, and experience the local culture and hospitality.

  • Encounter diverse wildlife, including Ethiopian wolves, mountain nyala, colobus monkeys, and a plethora of bird species.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day by day Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa & City Tour

DAY 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa & City Tour

  • Fly to Addis Ababa; upon arrival at Bole international airport, our hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel for overnight accommodation. The city enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). With a multiethnic population of over 5 million, Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums, and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the 'Mercato'. After your long flight and a welcome briefing, you can settle into your hotel for some rest.
  • Overnight in Addis Ababa
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Lake Langano (200km)

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Lake Langano (200km)

  • After Breakfast, we drive to Bishangari Lodge at the shores of Lake Langano (approx. 4 hours). Bishangari Lodge is an eco-lodge situated within genuinely preserved nature. You may relax on the beach (swimming is possible), take a walk through the lodge and encounter wild animals such as Warthogs or Olive Baboons in front of your bungalow.
  • The lodges can arrange many activities such as trekking through the nearby forest, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing, hippo spotting or horse riding.
  • Overnight: Lake Langanoo Bishangari Lodge
Day 3: Lake Langano – Dinsho (250km)

Day 3: Lake Langano – Dinsho (250km)

  • After breakfast, we continue our journey through Shashemane to Dinsho, where the headquarters of the Bale Mountains National Park are located (approx. 5 hours). In the afternoon we undertake a gentle, very interesting walk around the headquarters in Dinsho and almost certainly encounter animals such as warthogs, the endemic Menelik bushbuck, or the Mountain Nyala as well as a variety of birds.
  • Overnight: Dinsho Campsite
Day 4 & 5: Trek from Dinsho to Habera and next day to Sodota (18km)

Day 4 & 5: Trek from Dinsho to Habera and next day to Sodota (18km)

  • Today we trek from Dinsho through the Web Valley towards the Fincha Habera waterfall, where the Web and Wolla rivers meet. In this area, we have our first chances to see the endemic Ethiopian Wolf, as well as raptors, rock hyrax, and many more species. After refreshing us at the pleasant waterfall, we continue to Sodota.
  • Overnight: Sodota campsite
Day 6: Trek from Keyrensa to Rafu (20km)

Day 6: Trek from Keyrensa to Rafu (20km)

  • Today the way will be steep climbing up to the Rafu campsite. We then will pass by the volcanic rock pillars near Rafu from where we enjoy spectacular panoramic views. On the way, we should see Rock Hyrax, birds of prey, cliffs springer, and other mammals.
  • Overnight: Rafu campsite
Day 7: Trek from Rafu to Gerba Guracha (22km)

Day 7: Trek from Rafu to Gerba Guracha (22km)

  • Today we have a long trek through the largest Afro alpine part of the African Continent, the Senneti plateau, ahead. After we reach our campsite, we will take a walk around the biggest lake in the Bale Mountains, called Gerba Guracha or 'Black Lake'. A variety of water birds usually stay around the lake.
  • Overnight: Gerba Guracha campsite.
Day 8: Trek from Garba Guracha to Senetti (17km)

Day 8: Trek from Garba Guracha to Senetti (17km)

  • Today it will take us approx. 5-6 hrs to explore the Senetti Plateau, usually the best place to see the Ethiopian wolf. We also will have a chance to visit the Crane Lakes and climb the 2nd highest point of Ethiopia “Mount Tullu Deemtu,” offering at an altitude 4377 m spectacular views of the surrounding areas.
  • Highland birding includes the Abyssinian Catbird, Abyssinian Woodpecker, White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Yellow-crowned Canary, Somali Chestnut Winged Starling, Olive Pigeon and Mountain Buzzard.
  • Overnight: Camp at Senetti Campsite
Day 9 & 10: Senetti – Harenna – Goba (40km)

Day 9 & 10: Senetti – Harenna – Goba (40km)

  • After breakfast, we will be met by our vehicles and we will drive from the Senetti plateau down to Harrena forest (the largest rain forest in Ethiopia), the southern part of the national park holding a 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. In the late afternoon we will drive to Robe, where we will spend the night at the hotel.
  • Overnight: at Robe
Day 11: Fly to Addis Ababa

Day 11: Fly to Addis Ababa

  • This morning you will transfer to Robe airport to your flight back to Addis Ababa. You will have the afternoon at leisure. Depending on your flight, you will be transferred to Bole airport.
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How Can We Help You Create an Extraordinary Ethiopian Adventure?

At Sawla Tours, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into reality. With years of hands-on experience in crafting unforgettable journeys to Ethiopia, we are your go-to experts in deciding when to travel, where to explore, and what to discover.

Whether you have a detailed itinerary in mind, seek professional advice, or simply don't know where to begin, we're eager to assist. Reach out to us today, and together, we'll create an extraordinary travel experience tailored just for you.

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