Ethiopia · Trekking

5-Day Bale Mountains Trekking Adventure with Ethiopian Wolf Spotting

5 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Bale Mountains National Park's majestic highland landscapes
02 Look for the rare Ethiopian wolf in one of its last strongholds
03 Spot endemic wildlife such as Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bushbuck
04 Bird-watch for species including Blue-Winged Goose, Wattled Ibis, and Rouget's Rail
05 Camp at high-altitude sites from Dinsho to Lake Gebre Gurracha

Venture on this 5-day tour through Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia's most beautiful natural treasures. Explore majestic mountain landscapes, rich biodiversity, and remarkable birdlife while trekking between high-altitude campsites. Along the way, look out for endemic wildlife such as Menelik's Bushbuck, Mountain Nyala, and the rare Ethiopian wolf. With scenic hikes, rewarding viewpoints, and a traditional Ethiopian dinner in Addis Ababa at the end, this journey offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and discovery.

At this point in the trek, begin looking for the Ethiopian wolf, the rarest canid in the world and Africa's most threatened carnivore.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Addis Ababa, Bale Mountains National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Addis Ababa to Dinsho and the Gaysey Grasslands

Morning departure by road from Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains National Park.
Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon.
Meet the guides and drive to the Gaysey Grasslands.
Take a leisurely afternoon hike, with the possibility of spotting two endemic mammals that frequent 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, Rouget's Rail, and numerous other species.

Overnight campsite in Dinsho (3,200 meters above sea level).

Day 02

Trek from Dinsho to Finch Habera Campsite

Walk through Dinsho and enter the national park. Around Dinsho, the Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bushbuck should be visible.
While trekking through the park, there will be a chance to see Ethiopian wolves. Stop by Habera Waterfall for a pleasant break.

Trekking time: 5 hours.

Overnight camping at Finch Habera (3,550 meters above sea level).

Trekking on horseback is an option.

Day 03

Scenic Trek to Wasama Campsite

Trek to Wasama through a beautiful landscape with stunning views.
Pass through Mararo Valley, where the Lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles nest.
At this point in the trek, begin looking for the Ethiopian wolf, the rarest canid in the world and Africa's most threatened carnivore.
Ethiopian wolves live in packs of between 2 and 18 animals, but they are solitary hunters that survive primarily on a diet of rodents.

Trekking time: 8 hours.

Overnight camping at Wasama (3,700 meters above sea level).

Tawny Eagle.

Day 04

Hike Mt. Wasama and Reach Lake Gebre Gurracha

Start the day by hiking up Mt. Wasama (4,200 m) and then continue down into the Worgona Valley. Falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian wolf may be visible.
End the day at Lake Gebre Gurracha, meaning "black lake" in the Oromic language.

Trekking time: 8 hours.

Overnight camping at Gebre Guracha (3,900 meters above sea level).

Day 05

Sennati Plateau Trek and Return to Addis Ababa

Take a short trek from Gebre Gurracha up to the Sennati Plateau to meet the vehicles.
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 a late-night departure, or an additional hotel night can be booked upon request.

Trekking time: 2 hours.