Ethiopia · Trekking

7-Day Bale Mountains Trek in Ethiopia with Ethiopian Wolf Spotting

7 Days Round trip from Goba Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness the elusive Ethiopian Wolf in its natural habitat
02 Traverse the highest plateau in Africa
03 Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of ancient cloud forests
04 Experience the awe-inspiring "Stone Forest"
05 Encounter the endemic and stunning Menelik's Bushbuck and Mountain Nyala
06 Explore the diverse birdlife of the region

Embark on this 7-day tour and discover Ethiopia's fantastic wolves and wildlife in the Bale Mountains. Walk across the Sanetti Plateau, the highest plateau in Africa, and look out for beautiful and exotic wildlife, including Mountain Nyala. Meet nomadic herders grazing their flocks on the plateau and learn about their culture as you travel through immense landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty.

Walk across the Sanetti Plateau, the highest plateau in Africa, and look out for beautiful and exotic wildlife, including Mountain Nyala.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Goba, Bale Mountains National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Afternoon Hike in Bale Mountains

Arrive at the park headquarters, meet your guide, and discuss the plan.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon hike, with the possibility of spotting two endemic mammals frequently seen in the area: Menelik's Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattled Ibis, the Black-Headed Siskin, the Rouget's Rail, and numerous other species.

2 hours walk

Overnight camping. 3000 masl.

Day 02

Trek from Dinsho to Adelay

On this day, start the hike from Dinsho to the woodland part of the national park.
You will have a chance to spot endemic birds and mammals of Ethiopia and admire the stunning natural beauty of the Bale Mountains.

5-6 hours walk, 18 km

Overnight camping. 3,400 masl.

Day 03

Trek to Sodota via Habera Waterfall

Start hiking from Adelay and enter the national park. While trekking through the park, you will have a chance to see the rarest canid, the Ethiopian Wolf, Rock Hyrax, Giant Mole Rat, and many birds of prey.
Stop by Habera Waterfall for a nice break, then continue to Sodota campsite.

6-7 hours walk, 20 km

Overnight camping. 3,500 masl.

Day 04

Trek through Mararo Valley to Wasema

Trek to Wasema through a beautiful landscape with stunning views.
Pass through Mararo Valley, where the lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles nest. There will also be a chance to spot the Ethiopian Wolf and other species of birds.

5-6 hours walk, 18 km

Overnight camping. 3,900 masl.

Day 05

Trek to Rafu and Volcanic Rock Pillars

Today, you will be walking through a beautiful landscape.
Near Rafu, enjoy a panoramic view of the Rafu rock pillars, formed by volcanic lava flow.

5-6 hours walk, 18 km

Overnight camping. 4,000 masl.

Day 06

Trek to Sannetti via Tulu Demtu

In the morning after breakfast, start the hike and pass through Tulu Demtu (4377 m asl), the second highest point in Ethiopia. It can be windy here, and because it rises above 4000 m asl, it experiences all kinds of African weather. There is also a chance to see the Starck's Hare, endemic Giant Mole-Rat, water birds, and more.
Finally, meet the vehicle and drive back to Goba Town for the overnight stay.

Overnight hotel.

Day 07