Southern
Omo Valley
Discover Omo Valley.
Southern Ethiopia
Bale Mountains
Alpine moorland and forest, and the best place to look for the Ethiopian wolf.
Overview
About Bale Mountains
The Bale Mountains National Park protects the largest area of Afroalpine habitat in Africa. The Sanetti Plateau, at around 4,000 metres, is a landscape of grassland and small lakes, and the best place to see the Ethiopian wolf, one of the world’s rarest canids.
Below the plateau, the Harenna Forest is home to monkeys, birds and, if you are lucky, forest mammals. Walking and riding trails run from the park headquarters at Dinsho.
- Region
- Southern
- Best time
- November to March
Highlights
What makes it worth the journey
Highlights
- The Ethiopian wolf
- Mountain nyala
- The Sanetti Plateau
- Harenna Forest
Things to do
- Look for wolves on the plateau with a guide
- Walk or ride from Dinsho
- Go birdwatching
- Take a forest walk
Plan your visit
Before you go
Best time to visit
November to March, the driest months
Getting there
Drive from Addis Ababa to Goba or Dinsho (a long day), or fly to Bale Robe airport and drive.
Getting around
By four-wheel-drive across the plateau; on foot or on horseback on marked trails.
Good to know
- It is cold at altitude: bring warm layers and waterproofs.
- Wolf sightings are never guaranteed; early morning gives the best chance.
Gallery
A look at Bale Mountains
Photos: Unsplash
Keep exploring
More places to see
Southern
Southern
Omo Valley
A river valley home to many distinct cultures, with colourful weekly markets.
Southern
Arba Minch
“Forty springs”: two Rift Valley lakes, crocodiles on Lake Chamo and the Dorze highlands above.
Let us plan your Bale Mountains trip
Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.