Bale Mountains and Rift Valley Trekking

After breakfast, we continue our journey through Shashamane to Dinsho, where the headquarters of the Bale Mountains National Park are located (approx. 5 hours).

In the afternoon we undertake a gentle, very interesting walk around the headquarters in Dinsho and almost certainly encounter animals such as warthogs, the endemic Menelik bushbuck or the Mountain Nyala as well as a variety of birds.

Overnight: Dinsho Campsite

Today we trek from Dinsho through the Web Valley towards the Fincha Habera waterfall, where the Web and Wolla rivers meet.

In this area, we have our first chances to see the endemic Ethiopian Wolf, as well as raptors, rock hyrax and many more species.

After refreshing us at the pleasant waterfall, we continue to Sodota.

Overnight: Sodota campsite

Today we continue our trek through magic landscapes to the Keyrensa campsite.

Again we have very good chances to spot a variety of bird species, particularly raptors, as well as the Ethiopian wolf.

Overnight: Keyrensa campsite.

Today the way will be steep climbing up to the Rafu campsite. We then will pass by the volcanic rock pillars near Rafu from where we enjoy spectacular panoramic views.

On the way we should see Rock Hyrax, birds of prey, cliffs springer and others mammals.

Overnight: Rafu campsite

Today we have a long trek through the largest Afro alpine part of the African Continent, the Senneti plateau, ahead.

After we reach our campsite, we will take a walk around the biggest lake in the Bale Mountains, called Gerba Guracha or ”Black Lake”. A variety of water birds usually stay around the lake.

Overnight: Gerba Guracha campsite.

Today it will take us approx. 5-6 hrs to explore the Senetti Plateau, usually the best place to see the Ethiopian wolf. We also will have a chance to visit the Crane Lakes and climb the 2nd highest point of Ethiopia “Mount Tullu Deemtu,” offering at an altitude 4377 m spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

Late afternoon drive further down to Harenna Forest for birding includes the Abyssinian Catbird, Abyssinian Woodpecker, White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Yellow-crowned Canary, Somali Chestnut Winged Starling, Olive Pigeon and Mountain Buzzard.

Overnight: Camp at Harenna Forest.

After breakfast, we will be met by our vehicles and we will drive from the Senetti plateau down to Harrena forest (the largest rain forest in Ethiopia), the southern part of the national park holding a unique vegetation and animals.

We explore parts of the prestine Harenna forest on foot and hopefully spot the endemic Bale monkeys as well as Colobus monkeys. In the late afternoon we will drive to Goba, where we will spend the night at the hotel.

Accommodation: Goba Wabeshebele Hotel, Goba

After Breakfast, we drive to Bishangari Lodge at the shores of Lake Langano (approx. 4 hours). Bishangari Lodge is an eco-lodge situated within genuinely preserved nature. You may relax on the beach (swimming is possible), take a walk through the lodge and encounter wild animals such as Warthogs or Olive Baboons in front of your bungalow.

The lodges can arrange many activities such as trekking through the nearby forest, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing, hippo spotting or horse riding.

Accommodation: Bishangari Lodge

Morning / Afternoon:

We drive back to Addis and we will reach Addis late in the afternoon (a day room until your departure will be provided).

Evening:

In the evening you will have a traditional Ethiopian dinner and dance at a renowned restaurant of Addis Ababa. Then you will be transferred to your hotel or be transferred to the airport for your departure.