Bale Mountains National Park
Rising over 4,000 metres, the Afro-Alpine plateau of the Bale Mountains is the highest mountainous area in southern Ethiopia.
The north side of the park is home to the Sanetti Plateau – a high altitude region of glacial lakes surrounded by high volcanic ridges.
In the south of the park you’ll find the Harenna Forest, a thick, jungle-esque region home to colobus monkeys, wild horses, forest hogs, warthogs, and even lions and leopards.
The beautiful Bale Mountain Lodge – nestled into the thickets of the Harenna Forest – is one Ethiopia’s best boutique lodges. It’s the perfect place to return for sun-downers by the roaring fire after a day’s exploring.
In the surrounding villages, makeshift bars serve Tej (honey wine) round the clock and in the surrounding forests you can learn how that incredible Ethiopian coffee is produced.
The Bale Mountains are a place of beauty, in both nature and community.
If wildlife, scenery, and the great outdoors are high on your Ethiopia travel wish list – the Bale Mountains should not be missed.
Hiking and Trekking
Ethiopia’s northern highlands offer some exceptional trekking experiences. The Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains are common favourites, and the Community Trekking trails set up in the North offer world-class treks while supporting local communities.
How to choose the right trek in Ethiopia
When deciding where to trek, and for how long, you should consider the following:
- Altitude. The North of Ethiopia is highland, and Addis Ababa itself sits at 2200m. Most of the trekking available in Ethiopia will take you above 3000m.
- Comfort. While nearby lodges allow for day hikes in the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains, some areas of these national parks are off limits to those not willing to camp. Our community trekking involves overnights in basic, but charming and comfortable, guesthouses.
- Time of year. If you’re travelling between June and August, trekking in the national parks can become more trick as the rains render some access routes impassable.
- Fitness. Some trails require a good level of fitness, while others are much easier. The altitude can often make gently routes feel tough. It’s important to know your limits, and talk through any concerns with our team before booking a trek.
Natural Experience