The 2400 sq km Bale Mountains National Park, 400 km south of Addis Ababa, is the largest area of Afro-alpine habitat in the whole of Africa.

It is the best place to see Ethiopia's endemic mammals and birds and offers unbeatable mountain walking. Bale Mountain is a region of high-altitude plateau formed of old volcanic rocks and broken by dramatic volcanic plugs and peaks, limpid alpine lakes, and rivers and streams that have cut dramatic gorges over the millenia - an area of outstanding scenery.

Divided by the spectacular Harenna escarpment, Bale National Park contains a rich diversity of habitat, the result of the great variations in altitude and topography. Habitats include juniper and Hagenia woods around Dinsho and Goba, the bleak Sanetti Plateau for Afro-alpine moorlands and alpine meadows seasonally coloured with abundant wildflowers.

Among the endemic mammals present are the endangered Mountain Nyala and the iconic Ethiopian Wolf (the world's rarest canid). A visit to Dinsho for the antelopes and the Sanetti Plateau for the wolves, is usually successful in revealing these mammals. Other endemics are Menelik's Bushbuck and the Giant mole-rat. Serval, golden jackal and white-tailed mongoose are among the carnivores inhabiting the area. 

Bale National Park holds at least 14 of Ethiopia's endemic birds. Forest-dwelling endemic birds include Abyssinian catbird, Banded barbet and Abyssinian woodpecker. Up in the Sanetti moorlands are Blue-winged goose, Rouget's rail and Spotbreasted lapwing.The latter are easy to see during the standard excursions crossing of the plateau on Africa's highest-lying road.

Bale Mountains National Park is a full day's drive south of Addis Ababa. The best country lodge in Ethiopia, Bale Mountains Lodge, is in the lovely Harenna Forest. 

Derek Schuurman

Travel Specialist

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.
Total results: 2
Sort by:

Why Choose Us?

Passionate travel experts

  • We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
  • Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
  • We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences

Personal & tailor-made

  • You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
  • We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
  • Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love

Responsible by nature

  • We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
  • For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
  • We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
British Travel Awards Crest
ATOL Protected ABTA Protected IATA Protected
Trust Pilot LATA Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware

Stay in Touch

Subscribe for our newsletter and to hear about exciting offers and experiences