Wildlife
3-Day Bale Mountains Wildlife & Nature
The Sanetti Plateau, Tulu Dimtu and the cloud forest of Harenna, home of the Ethiopian wolf.
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Season
- October to April
- Group Size
- Private or group
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
2 nights, designed around the hours that matter
A short but intense visit to one of Africa’s most important highland ecosystems. Fly to Robe, drive over the Sanetti Plateau (the best place on earth to see the Ethiopian wolf) to Tulu Dimtu, Ethiopia’s second-highest peak, and descend into the mist-hung Harenna Forest.
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains National Park
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.
Day 2
Sanetti Plateau – Tulu Dimtu & Harenna Forest
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.
Day 3
Harenna Forest – Addis Ababa
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 to 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. Thank you for traveling with Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 2 nights of accommodation: Wabe Shebelle Hotel & Harenna Forest Lodge
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National park entrance fees and scouts
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 3-Day Bale Mountains Wildlife & Nature yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs October to April · Private or group · A quote made for your journey
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