Ethiopia · Trekking

5-Day Bale Mountains Trek from Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Wolf

5 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Bale Mountains National Park's juniper woodlands and high-altitude landscapes
  • 02 Spot endemic wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, and Giant Molerat
  • 03 Trek through Web Valley to Fincha Haber waterfall and the Sodota and Adelay campsites
  • 04 Visit the Sannattie Plateau, the largest Afro-Alpine habitat in Africa
  • 05 Enjoy birdwatching and a boat cruise on Hawasa Lake

Embark on a 5-day journey through the southeast of Ethiopia, exploring Bale Mountains National Park, the African Great Rift Valley, and Hawassa. Trek through juniper woodlands, Web Valley, and the Sannattie Plateau while looking out for endemic wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, Giant Molerat, and a rich variety of birdlife. Camp at high-altitude sites in Bale Mountain, then continue to Hawassa for a boat trip and lakeside birdwatching. The trip ends with a scenic drive back to Addis Ababa through the Rift Valley.

We'll traverse the spectacular scenery of Web Valley towards the Fincha Haber waterfall, where the Web and Wolla rivers meet.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Addis Ababa, Awassa, Bale Mountains National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival and Wildlife Walk in Bale Mountain

  • On arrival at Bale Mountain, meet your guide and drive to the park headquarters. Afterwards, our hike will take us through the park headquarters, where we'll have a chance to spot endemic or endangered mammals such as the mountain nyala, Ethiopian bushbuck, warthogs, reedbuck, grey duiker, and baboons. We'll also encounter birds of the country such as the Abyssinian catbird, white-bellied black tit, black-headed siskin, and wattled ibis, all of which can be found in the juniper woodlands of Bale Mountain at the headquarters.

Overnight at the Dinsho campsites at an altitude of 3100 metres above sea level.

2
Day 02

Trek from Dinsho to Sodota Campsite

  • In the morning, after breakfast, we begin our hike to Sodota, which is an approximately 18 km long trek from Dinsho.
  • We'll traverse the spectacular scenery of Web Valley towards the Fincha Haber waterfall, where the Web and Wolla rivers meet. In this area, we have our first chance to spot the endemic Ethiopian wolf, as well as raptors, rock hyrax, and endemic birds such as the blue-winged goose, white-collared pigeon, and Rouget's rail. This will surely leave you excited and in awe of the actual wilderness of Bale Mountain.
  • Upon arrival at the campsite, you will have a nice coffee or tea break.

Overnight at Sodota Campsite at an altitude of 3500 metres above sea level.

3
Day 03

Web Valley Wildlife Trek to Adelay

  • Explore the Web Valley, where you can see the rare and endangered Ethiopian wolf and its prey, the Giant Molerat.
  • You'll also encounter birdlife such as the tawny eagle, augur buzzard, steppe eagle, blue-winged goose, yellow-billed duck, and falcon. Arrive at Adelay Woodland Campsite.

Fincha Habera to Adelay, 15 km, 4-5 hrs.

4
Day 04

Adelay Forest Descent and Sannattie Plateau

  • Early in the morning, we descend to the road through the forest of juniper and Hygenia in 2 hours.
  • Then, we drive to Sannattie Plateau, the largest Afro-Alpine habitat in Africa, where we can observe Ethiopian wolves and many endemic birds.
  • Later in the afternoon, we drive to Hawassa and stay overnight at one of the best resorts. Depending on the time, we will have a boat trip.
5
Day 05

Hawasa Lake and Return to Addis Ababa

  • Drive back to Addis Ababa through the African Great Rift Valleys and enjoy the agricultural landscapes.
  • Stop for coffee, fruit, and excursion places (private car).
  • Enjoy a boat cruise on Hawasa Lake to observe birdlife and hippos.
Bale Mountains National Park, Web Valley, Sannattie Plateau, Hawasa Lake

Where this trip takes you

Bale Mountains National Park, Web Valley, Sannattie Plateau, Hawasa Lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Addis Ababa 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 4x4 vehicle/car with an experienced driver
  • Fuel and driver allowance
  • All entrance fees
  • Water during this tour
  • Accommodation
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Professional English-speaking local guide

What's Not Included

  • Personal needs
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Anything else not included in the inclusions list

What to bring

  • Good walking shoes
  • Waterproof clothes, such as rain jackets
  • Sunglasses
  • Walking sticks

Know before you go

 

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour start
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.

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