Trekking in Bale Mountains National Park

Day 1: Arrival in Bale (Goba) 

• Arrival: Fly into Goba, the nearest town to the park, known for its beautiful setting at the foot of the Bale Mountains. 

• Accommodation: Stay at a comfortable lodge or hotel in Goba, such as Bale Mountain Lodge, to rest after your journey. 

Day 2: Goba to Sanetti Plateau 

• Trek Length: 6-8 hours 

• Highlights: Begin your trek from Goba, heading to the Sanetti Plateau. This area is famous for its high-altitude grasslands, with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The plateau is home to rare wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf and Bale monkey. 

• Accommodation: Camp or stay in a lodge on the plateau. 

Day 3: Trekking to Harenna Forest 

• Trek Length: 5-6 hours 

• Highlights: Trek into the Harenna Forest, a dense and biodiverse forest with an array of plant and animal life. Keep an eye out for baboons, wild cats, and exotic bird species. The forest is also home to several indigenous plants. 

• Accommodation: Overnight camping or a lodge near the forest. 

Day 4: Explore Harenna Forest 

• Activity: Spend the day exploring the forest, with options for shorter hikes or a more extensive trek deeper into the forest to observe the diverse ecosystems. 

• Accommodation: Stay another night near the forest. 

Day 5: Trek to the Nech Sar Highlands 

• Trek Length: 5-6 hours 

• Highlights: Leave the forest and hike toward the Nech Sar Highlands, known for its sweeping views and rolling hills. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and plateaus. 

• Accommodation: Stay at a nearby lodge or camp. 

Day 6: Return to Goba 

• Trek Length: 4-5 hours 

• Highlights: Return to Goba, where you can relax after your trekking adventure and reflect on the wildlife and landscapes you’ve experienced. 

Optional Extensions: 

• Trekking to Tulu Dimtu: For those seeking a longer adventure, consider a trek to Tulu Dimtu, Ethiopia’s second-highest peak, offering stunning views and an even more remote wilderness experience. 

Wildlife Sightings: 

• Ethiopian Wolf: Rare and only found in high-altitude areas of Bale. 

• Bale Monkey: Often seen in the bamboo forests, it’s one of Ethiopia’s endemic species. 

• Wildlife: Including baboons, giant Molerat, and diverse bird species like the Bale Eagle and Hornbill. 

Additional Information: 

• Difficulty: The trekking in Bale Mountains is moderate to challenging, with high altitudes and diverse terrain, including plateaus, forests, and rugged paths. 

• Best Time to Trek: The dry months (October to March) are the best for trekking, offering clear skies and favorable weather conditions.