Trekking · Wildlife
6-Day Bale Mountains & Rift Valley
Bale’s plateau and forest, then Wondo Genet, Yirgalem and the Rift Valley lakes.
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Season
- October to April
- Group Size
- 1 to 12 guests
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
5 nights, designed around the hours that matter
A gentle trek-and-travel loop through the south. Explore the Bale Mountains from Goba (the Sanetti Plateau and the Harenna Forest), then return through the forested hills of Wondo Genet, the coffee country around Yirgalem, Lake Hawassa and Lake Langano.
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
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.
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Drive to Goba (via Dinsho)
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.
Day 3
Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest Excursion
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.
Day 4
Goba – Wondo Genet – Yirgalem
After breakfast, drive to Wondo 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.
Day 5
Yirgalem – Hawassa – Lake Langano
Begin your day with a short drive to Hawassa. Visit the vibrant fish market along Lake Hawassa 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.
Day 6
Lake Langano – Ziway – Addis Ababa – Departure
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.
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)
- 5 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 6-Day Bale Mountains & Rift Valley 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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