Bale Harenna Morning Birding In The Clearing

Harenna Forest

Bale Mountains Vacations

The best place to see an Ethiopian Wolf

Ethiopia's premier biodiversity hotspot, Bale Mountains National Park is a must for wildlife enthusiasts

Covering 2,150 km2 in the south-eastern Ethiopian Highlands, Bale Mountains National Park is a day’s drive (400 km) south of Addis Ababa. Formed of ancient volcanic rocks broken by plugs and peaks, the spectacular landscapes of Bale Mountains National Park is punctuated by dramatic gorges, alpine lakes and ponds, and numerous rivers and streams. A tailor made Bale Mountains holiday is thus understandably one of the most popular trips taken in Ethiopia.

With habitats varying from moist evergreen forest to Afro-alpine moorlands, the park offers a diverse and unforgettable experience which should be savoured over a stay of at least 3 nights. One of the country’s highest peaks, the 4,500m Tulu Dimtu, towers over the Sanetti Plateau. Some 40 rivers rise from the Bale Mountains National Park, which makes it a watershed of salutary significance to millions of people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. Management of the water resources in Bale’s highlands is critical to people living south of the park - habitat degradation and water abstraction for irrigation purposes have severe consequences.

Bale is best known for its wildlife, notably its flagship animal, the Ethiopian wolf, rarest of all canids. With a global population of under 400 individuals, this gravely endangered species – not represented anywhere in captive-breeding programmes - is best seen on the Sanetti Plateau, where it can be spotted with ease by day, hunting its favourite prey, another Ethiopian endemic, the Big-headed mole-rat. The bamboo-dependent Bale monkey (Bale Mountains vervet) is one of two primates endemic to Ethiopia and can be found in Harenna Forest. Other endemic Ethiopian mammals include the endangered mountain nyala and Starck’s hare. Additionally the park holds an assortment of other mammals – mostly rodents – endemic to Ethiopia, along with 4 endemic reptiles and 12 endemic amphibians. The Harenna Forest holds a very unusual population of forest-dwelling lions as well as some melanistic (black) leopards. Whilst sightings are rare, there are plenty of signs of them for those interested in tracking.

Among the international birding fraternity, Bale is renowned as Ethiopia’s top birdwatching hotspot. It is also rated as Africa’s 4th most rewarding birding site, with 14 of Ethiopia's endemic species being present. These include the continent’s finest songster, the Abyssinian catbird, the moorland-dwelling Blue-winged goose, the plucky Rouget's rail and the Spot-breasted lapwing. Interestingly there are also relict populations of Golden eagle and Ruddy Shelduck, both easy to see on Sanetti Plateau. Bale Mountain Lodge is the place to stay (in fact it’s the best lodge in the country!), and visitors can spend their days exploring each of the park’s diverse ecotypes. There is also a selection of hiking trails and mule trekking can be arranged.

Our favourite Bale Mountains National Park hotels and lodges

Best Places to Stay in Bale Mountains National Park

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024

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