Bale Mountains Drive Holidays

After breakfast in the morning, we pack up our camp and make our way to the Sanetti plateau. This area is the best place in Ethiopia to observe the Ethiopian wolf, the most endangered canid species in the world. As the sun rises, these elegant animals begin their hunting activities. 

The Sanetti plateau is also home to various rodents, including the giant molerat, which can only be found in the Bale Mountains. There are also rare lichens in this area. Additionally, you can see a variety of birds of prey soaring above, such as golden eagles, tawny eagles, Verreaux's eagles, bearded vultures (lammergeyers), lanner falcons and augur buzzards.

Continuing our journey, we make a stop at Tulu Dimtu, also known as "the Red Mountain." This mountain stands at height of 4,377m and is the highest peak in the park. As we reach the end of the plateau and approach the Harenna escarpment, we see some breathtaking views. The road descends more than 2,000m into the vast Harenna tropical forest. At the base of the escarpment lies the small village of Rira, where you can take a break and enjoy some local refreshments.

For those seeking more adventure, you take a short walk through the forest to a canyon filled with bamboo and two waterfalls that are stacked almost on top of each other. This walk takes approximately 2 hours round trip. At the base of the second waterfall, there is a large pool that offers a great photo opportunity and a chance to cool your feet in the clean water. Keep an eye out for the black-and-white colobus monkey and Menelik's bushbuck during this walk. 

Returning to Rira.
Overnight Camping.

After leaving Rira in the morning, you drive a short distance south to reach the southern part of the National Park. One of the local highlights in this area is the Gushuralle Peak Forest Trail. This trail, which typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete, guides you through a dense bamboo forest until you reach the summit of Gushuralle. 

From there, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Harenna Forest. While on the trail, be sure to keep an eye out for various wildlife species such as Bale monkeys, Menelik's bushbuck, warthogs, colobus monkeys, giant forest hogs and occasionally leopards or lions. 

After completing the trail, you return to Goba town and then are transferred to the airport for your flight back to Addis.