Trekking · Wildlife
4-Day Bale Mountains Trek
A day in Addis Ababa, then Dinsho, the Sanetti Plateau and the Harenna Forest.
- Duration
- 4 Days
- Season
- October to April
- Group Size
- 1 to 12 guests
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
3 nights, designed around the hours that matter
Combine a city day with three days in the Bale Mountains. Look for mountain nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck at Dinsho, walk on the Sanetti Plateau among giant lobelias and Ethiopian wolves, and explore the ancient Harenna cloud 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
Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, begin your city tour with a drive up Mount Entoto, offering panoramic views of the capital. Descend into the city to visit the National Museum, home to the world-famous fossil “Lucy,” and continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Ethiopia’s most important religious sites, built during the period of Emperor Haile Selassie. Next, explore the Ethnographic Museum, formerly the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, which showcases Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity and history. Conclude the day with a visit to Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa, offering a vibrant and fascinating glimpse into daily Ethiopian life.
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Bale Mountains National Park. Upon arrival at the park headquarters in Dinsho, enjoy a short afternoon hike through the surrounding area. This is a great opportunity to spot endemic wildlife such as the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck, as well as rare highland bird species. Spend the evening acclimatizing to the high altitude and enjoying the peaceful forest setting.
Day 3
Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest Excursion
Today’s full-day excursion takes you to the Sanetti Plateau, the highest plateau in Africa and one of the best places in the world to spot the rare Ethiopian Wolf. Travel through this otherworldly alpine landscape, enjoying sweeping views and dramatic skies. Then descend into the lush Harenna Forest, the largest cloud forest in Ethiopia and one of the country’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Here, you’ll walk along peaceful forest trails, home to a rich variety of wildlife, birds, and traditional medicinal plants used by local communities.
Day 4
Bale Mountains – Return to Addis Ababa – Departure
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy a special farewell dinner featuring a selection of traditional Ethiopian dishes and cultural dance performances representing several of the country’s ethnic groups. Experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony to conclude your journey. Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure or onward connection.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 3 nights of accommodation: Hotel & Lodge
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National park entrance fees and scouts
- Entrance fees to all sites and churches in the itinerary
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 4-Day Bale Mountains Trek 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 · 1 to 12 guests · A quote made for your journey
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