Ethiopia · Wildlife

7-Day Ethiopia Wildlife Tour through Bale Mountains and Rift Valley

7 Days Round trip from Dinshu Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Bale Mountains National Park in search of the Ethiopian wolf, Bale monkey, and mountain nyala
  • 02 Experience Rift Valley lakes, coffee plantations, and vibrant fish markets in Hawassa and Yirgalem
  • 03 Discover Dorze Village traditional houses, weaving culture, and mountain views
  • 04 Enjoy a wildlife-rich boat trip on Lake Chamo and scenic walks at Forty Springs

Explore Ethiopia on a rewarding seven-day journey through diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. Discover rare species in the Bale Mountains, including the Ethiopian wolf and mountain nyala, then continue through the Rift Valley to Hawassa and Yirgalem for lakes, coffee plantations, and lively fish markets. Visit Dorze Village and its traditional houses, encounter Swayne's hartebeest at Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo, and walk through the scenic Forty Springs.

Search for the rare Ethiopian wolf on the Sanetti Plateau.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Addis Ababa, Goba, Awassa, Arba Minch, Bale Mountains National Park, Lake Chamo
Languages Amharic, Dutch, English, French, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Drive from Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains National Park

  • Begin a scenic drive from Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains National Park.
  • Pass through the dramatic landscapes of the Ethiopian Highlands and Rift Valley.
  • Stop at Dinsho and the Gaysay Grasslands for wildlife and endemic bird spotting.
  • Observe mountain nyala, Menelik's bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, and highland bird species.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of rolling plateaus, grasslands, and mountain peaks.
  • Arrive at Bale Goba in the evening.

Overnight at Nurobe Hotel, Bale Goba.

2
Day 02

Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest Exploration

  • Depart early for a full-day exploration of the Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest.
  • Drive along Africa's highest all-weather road with views of Tullu Deemtu.
  • Observe bird species including wattled ibis, blue-winged goose, and black-headed siskin.
  • Search for the rare Ethiopian wolf on the Sanetti Plateau.
  • Descend into the Harenna Forest, home to the Bale monkey and endemic birds.
  • Learn about wild coffee plantations, bamboo groves, and local honey production.

Overnight at Nurobe Hotel, Bale Goba.

3
Day 03

Dinsho Wildlife Viewing and Drive to Hawassa

  • Explore Dinsho in the morning, known for its biodiversity and wildlife.
  • Observe mountain nyala, warthogs, and endemic bird species.
  • Drive towards Hawassa through the Abaro Mountains and Rift Valley.
  • Spot bird species such as Abyssinian waxbill, black-winged lovebird, and barbet species.
  • Arrive at Lake Hawassa and enjoy lakeside views and sunset birdwatching.

Overnight at Oasis Hotel, Hawassa.

4
Day 04

Hawassa Lake and Yirgalem Coffee Country

  • Visit the Awassa Fish Market early in the morning.
  • Observe fishermen and birdlife including marabou storks, pelicans, and hamerkops.
  • Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Hawassa with chances to spot hippos and waterbirds.
  • Drive to Yirgalem through lush evergreen landscapes.
  • Visit coffee plantations and learn about traditional Ethiopian coffee production.
  • Explore local markets and interact with Sidama communities.
  • Return to Hawassa in the evening.

Overnight at Oasis Hotel, Hawassa.

5
Day 05

Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary and Dorze Village to Arba Minch

  • Depart for Arba Minch after breakfast.
  • Visit Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary to see the endangered Swayne's hartebeest.
  • Observe additional wildlife such as oribi and Bohor reedbuck.
  • Continue to Dorze Village and explore traditional beehive-shaped houses.
  • Learn about Dorze cotton weaving techniques and cultural practices.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo from the Guge Mountains.
  • Arrive in Arba Minch in the evening.

Overnight at Wubete Hotel, Arba Minch.

6
Day 06

Lake Chamo Boat Trip and Forty Springs Walk

  • Embark on a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo.
  • Observe Nile crocodiles, hippos, fish, and waterbirds at the Crocodile Market.
  • Spot birdlife including African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, and goliath herons.
  • Visit Forty Springs and enjoy a peaceful nature walk.
  • Learn about local legends, indigenous trees, and the area's ecological significance.
  • Spend the afternoon at leisure in Arba Minch.

Overnight at Wubete Hotel, Arba Minch.

7
Day 07

Flight to Addis Ababa and Departure

  • Transfer to Arba Minch Airport after breakfast.
  • Fly back to Addis Ababa for your onward international departure.
Sanetti Plateau, Harenna Forest, Lake Chamo, Dorze Village

Where this trip takes you

Sanetti Plateau, Harenna Forest, Lake Chamo, Dorze Village

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Dinshu 6 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation as specified in three-star hotels or pensions
  • Daily breakfast
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Ground transportation in a four-wheel-drive vehicle or comfortable minivan
  • Park entry fees for Bale Mountains National Park and Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Boat trip on Lake Chamo
  • Sightseeing and cultural experiences as per itinerary

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights, except Arba Minch to Addis Ababa
  • Lunches and dinners unless specified
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Drinks and snacks

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes / hiking boots
  • Lightweight clothes for warm weather, and warm layers for the highlands
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars and a camera for wildlife and birdwatching
  • Reusable water bottle

Know before you go

  • The tour involves long drives and moderate hikes in some areas.
  • Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed.
  • High-altitude areas like Bale Mountains may require acclimatization.
  • Cash is recommended for small purchases in villages and markets.
  • Some areas have uneven terrain and forest paths.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Addis Ababa - hotel or Bole International Airport pickup (exact location to be confirmed)
Tour start
Dinshu, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Dinshu.

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Starting from

USD 1,050 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,050.00 — $1,650.00
Double Sharing $1,050.00

When

Travellers

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