6-Day Bale Mountains National Park Trekking Tour
Tour Code: EDT-07-BPT
A journey through Ethiopia’s natural and cultural wonders, from high-altitude wildlife safaris in the Bale Mountains to coffee plantations, hot springs, and the scenic lakes of the Great Rift Valley.
6-Day Bale Mountains National Park Trekking Tour
6
Days
Overview
This 6-day adventure takes you deep into the heart of southern Ethiopia, combining alpine trekking, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion. Begin with a tour of the historic sites of Addis Ababa before heading to Bale Mountains National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rich in endemic species. From there, explore the cloud forests of Harenna, relax in the hot springs of Wendo Genet, discover Sidama culture in Yirgalem, and enjoy the aquatic wildlife of Lake Awassa. Finally, unwind at Lake Langano, one of Ethiopia’s few swimmable lakes, before returning to Addis Ababa. This tour offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.
Itinerary
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours will welcome and assist all clients arriving at Bole International Airport, regardless of their arrival time.
For travelers arriving on morning flights, the tour can begin after checking into the hotel. For those arriving in the afternoon or evening, the tour will begin the following day.
After airport pickup, transfer to your hotel for check-in and refreshments. Begin your exploration of Addis Ababa with a drive to Mount Entoto, offering panoramic views of the capital. Visit the National Museum, home to the world-renowned hominid fossil “Lucy,” followed by Holy Trinity Cathedral, built during World War II. Continue to the Ethnographic Museum, housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, and end your day at Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa.
After breakfast, depart from Addis Ababa and travel south toward Goba, the gateway to Bale Mountains National Park. En route, stop at Dinsho, the park’s headquarters, for a short hike and a chance to spot endemic wildlife such as the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck, along with several rare bird species. Continue to your lodge in the Bale Mountains region and enjoy a peaceful evening in the highlands.
Spend the day exploring the contrasting landscapes of Bale Mountains National Park. Begin at the Sanetti Plateau, the highest plateau in Africa, where you’ll have the rare chance to spot the endangered Ethiopian Wolf, the world’s rarest canid. Later, descend into the misty Harenna Forest, Ethiopia’s largest cloud forest and one of the country’s most important biodiversity hotspots, home to ancient trees, unique plants, and a wide variety of wildlife. Enjoy nature walks and peaceful moments in this biodiverse paradise.
After breakfast, drive to Wendo Genet, known for its natural hot springs and rich birdlife. Spend time soaking in the therapeutic waters or relaxing among the lush vegetation. After lunch, continue south to Yirgalem, passing through vibrant coffee-growing regions. Check in at Aregash Lodge, a beautiful eco-lodge surrounded by indigenous forest and coffee plantations. In the evening, enjoy a unique and safe wildlife experience as hyenas visit the nearby forest edge.
Begin your day with a short drive to Awassa (Hawassa). Visit the vibrant fish market along Lake Awassa and take a boat trip to observe hippos in their natural habitat. After lunch, continue to Lake Langano, a beautiful swimmable Rift Valley lake known for its serene shores and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water.
After breakfast, depart for Addis Ababa. Along the way, stop at Lake Ziway, known for its scenic beauty, water lilies, and diverse birdlife. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, enjoy a farewell cultural dinner featuring a variety of Ethiopian dishes, traditional music, and dance performances representing different ethnic groups. A final coffee ceremony concludes your journey before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
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* Trip code: EDT-07-BPT
- Best Price Guaranteed
- No Booking Fees
- Professional Local Guide
Transportation Type
Private Vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel & Lodge
Departure from
Addis Ababa
Maximum Altitude
4,377 meters
Best Season
October – April
Tour Type
Nature, Wildlife, Cultural, Trekking
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Language
English (other languages on request)
Fitness Level
Moderate
Minimum Age
5
Maximum Age
Any