Ethiopia · Trekking

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

5 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through the spectacularly diverse landscapes of Bale Mountains National Park
02 Pass through Gaysay grassland to spot mountain Nyala and Menelik's bushbuck
03 Cross the Bale moorlands with a chance to see the rare Ethiopian wolf
04 Look out for the endemic giant mole rat found only on the Bale Highlands
05 Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with dancers and musicians in Addis Ababa

Set foot on the spectacularly diverse and unique landscape of Bale Mountains National Park, marked by numerous glacial lakes and swamps and surrounded by high volcanic ridges and peaks. Trek through grassland, woodland, and moorland habitats while looking out for mountain Nyala, Menelik's bushbuck, the endemic giant mole rat, and the rare Ethiopian wolf. This 5-day journey from Addis Ababa combines rewarding hiking, remarkable wildlife encounters, and a traditional Ethiopian dinner before departure.

Set foot on the spectacularly diverse and unique landscape of Bale Mountains National Park, marked by numerous glacial lakes and swamps and surrounded by high volcanic ridges and peaks.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Soddo, Bale Mountains National Park

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Addis Ababa and Drive to Bale Mountains

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and meet your local tour guide for your transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Drive from Addis Ababa to the Bale Mountains, about 400 km southeast of the capital, admiring the landscape and the different cultural groups of people along the way.
Overnight at a lodge at the park headquarters.

Day 02

Hike from Dinsho to Adelay Campsite

Start hiking from Dinsho to Adelay campsite, covering 16 km.
Pass through the Gaysay grassland, where you may see members of the antelope family such as mountain Nyala and Menelik's bushbuck, and then continue into the woodland part of the national park.

Overnight: Adelay campsite.

Day 03

Trek Across the Moorland to Sodota

Have breakfast and head to Sodota across the moorland part of the national park, with a chance to see the rare and endangered canid, the Ethiopian wolf, during the 18 km walk.

Overnight: Sodota campsite.

Day 04

Return Trek to Dinsho Headquarters

Head back to the starting point at the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park.
Along the way, you may have the chance to see the endemic giant mole rat, found only on the Bale Highlands, as well as rock hyrax and birds of prey.

Overnight: Dinsho campsite.

Day 05

Drive Back to Addis Ababa and Departure

Return to Addis Ababa.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups.
Transfer to the airport for departure.

The route