Upon arrival at Goba Airport on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET175, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to Dinsho, the gateway to Bale Mountains National Park. As you enter this spectacular highland region, enjoy the changing scenery of rolling hills, green valleys, and traditional Ethiopian countryside.

Begin your Bale Mountains adventure with a gentle hike around the Dinsho Headquarters area, one of the best places to enjoy an introduction to the park’s unique wildlife. The surrounding grasslands and woodlands offer excellent opportunities to spot some of Ethiopia’s rare and endemic species, including Mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, and warthogs.

The area is also a paradise for bird lovers, with opportunities to observe endemic species such as the Abyssinian catbird, blue-winged goose, and thick-billed raven, along with many other highland birds.

This peaceful first exploration provides a wonderful introduction to the extraordinary biodiversity of Bale Mountains National Park and sets the stage for the deeper wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes that await you in the coming days.

Overnight: Bale Mountains area.

After breakfast, set out for an unforgettable exploration of the Sanetti Plateau, the spectacular high-altitude wilderness of Bale Mountains National Park and one of the highest all-weather roads in Africa. As you travel across this vast Afro-alpine landscape, enjoy breathtaking views of open moorlands, giant lobelias, and dramatic mountain scenery.

At dawn, you may have the rare opportunity to observe the Ethiopian wolf, the world’s rarest canid and one of Ethiopia’s most iconic endemic species. These remarkable predators can often be seen moving across the frosty alpine meadows in search of their main prey, the giant mole rat, another fascinating endemic species of the Bale highlands.

Continue your journey across the plateau and ascend Tulu Dimtu, reaching 4,377 meters above sea level, the highest peak in Bale Mountains National Park and one of the highest points in Ethiopia. From the summit area, enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the endless highlands, valleys, and rugged landscapes that make Bale one of Africa’s most unique mountain environments.

Descending toward the southern escarpment, continue to Rira Village, located near the edge of the magnificent Harenna Forest. Take time to enjoy local refreshments or join a short guided nature walk through this beautiful bamboo-filled forest. The trail leads through a peaceful canyon surrounded by lush vegetation, hidden waterfalls, and incredible biodiversity.

During your forest walk, keep an eye out for colobus monkeys, Bale monkeys, and a variety of colorful bird species that inhabit this unique forest ecosystem.

This day offers a remarkable contrast between Bale’s open alpine plateau and its lush forest landscapes, showcasing the incredible diversity of Ethiopia’s mountain wilderness.

Overnight: Rira / Harenna Forest area.

On your final day, enjoy a peaceful morning excursion to the Gushuralle Peak Trail, a beautiful nature route located within the spectacular Harenna Forest. The trail takes you through dense bamboo forests, lush vegetation, and the tranquil surroundings of one of Ethiopia’s most important remaining forest ecosystems.

The 2–3 hour guided hike offers breathtaking views across the Harenna Escarpment, with panoramic scenery of forest-covered valleys and the dramatic landscapes of the Bale Mountains. Along the way, keep watch for wildlife that inhabits this unique environment, including giant forest hogs, Menelik’s bushbuck, warthogs, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail is also excellent for birdwatching, with many forest and highland bird species found along the route.

After completing the hike, return to Goba for your transfer to Goba Airport and your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in the capital, you will be transferred either to your hotel or directly to Bole International Airport’s international terminal for your onward journey.

As your Bale Mountains adventure comes to an end, depart with unforgettable memories of Ethiopia’s highland landscapes, endemic wildlife, and the remarkable natural beauty of one of Africa’s most unique mountain ecosystems.

End of Tour – Thank you for traveling with Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours.