5 Days Bale Mountains Adventure
Tour Overview:
Discover the breathtaking highlands of southeastern Ethiopia on this 5-day adventure through the Bale Mountains National Park. Home to endemic wildlife, unique Afro-alpine landscapes, lush forests, and the rare Ethiopian wolf, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature lovers, bird watchers, and adventurers alike. Journey from Addis Ababa to the dramatic Sanetti Plateau, explore one of Africa’s longest underground caves, and enjoy cultural moments in the beautiful Rift Valley city of Hawassa. This tour blends nature, wildlife, and local culture into an unforgettable Ethiopian journey.
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains National Park
Depart from Addis Ababa and drive to Bale Mountains National Park. Upon arrival at the park headquarters, complete the registration and entry formalities before beginning your wildlife exploration. You’ll have the opportunity to see endemic species such as the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck, as well as a variety of birdlife in the area.
Day 2: Sanetti Plateau – Harenna Forest – Goba
After an early breakfast, head to the Sanetti Plateau. As the sun rises, look out for the rare and endangered Ethiopian wolf—one of the most iconic predators of the region. The plateau is also home to the Giant Mole Rat, and its open expanses are ideal for spotting birds of prey such as the Golden Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Lanner Falcon, and Augur Buzzard.
Continue driving to Tullu Deemtu (also known as the “Red Mountain”), the second-highest peak in Ethiopia at 4,377 meters above sea level. From the plateau, descend sharply into the lush Harenna Forest—dropping over 2,000 meters in just 8 km. This tropical rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot, where you may spot the endemic Bale Monkey, white colobus monkeys, and other forest dwellers.
In the late afternoon, return to Goba.
Day 3: Sof Omar Caves – Goba
After breakfast, travel southeast from Goba (approx. 125 km) to explore Sof Omar Cave, one of the longest underground cave systems in Africa, stretching over 1.5 km. The Web River snakes through a dramatic gorge 150 meters below a basalt plateau, creating a unique subterranean world of pillars and chambers.
In the afternoon, drive back to Goba for rest and relaxation.
Day 4: Goba – Hawassa
Depart Goba in the morning and drive to Hawassa via Shashemene. Once in Hawassa, enjoy a refreshing break by the lakeside. Visit the bustling fish market and, if time permits, take a boat trip on Lake Hawassa to admire the scenery and spot hippos and aquatic birds.
Day 5: Hawassa – Addis Ababa
Return to Addis Ababa through the scenic Great Rift Valley. En route, stop at Lake Langano or Lake Ziway for a swim or to observe water birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and ducks.
Depending on your departure schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight, or you may enjoy a farewell traditional Ethiopian dinner with live cultural dance performances.
