Duration
10-Day
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
This journey explores Ethiopia's wild south, from the high-altitude Bale Mountains, home to the rare Ethiopian wolf, to the lush Sidama and Yirgacheffe coffee forests, and tranquil Rift Valley lakes. Trek dramatic highlands, visit UNESCO heritage sites, experience traditional coffee ceremonies, and relax at eco-lodges and lakeside retreats. The tour concludes in Addis Ababa with an unforgettable evening of Ethiopian music and dance.
Plan snapshot
Duration
10-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Awasa (City), Bale Mountains NP, Yirga Alem (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Bale Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Haile Resort Hawassa - Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Day 1
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-6
Luxury lodge inside Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7-8
Mid-range lodge in Yirga Alem (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
Mid-range resort at Lake Langano – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 10
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Drive south through Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley, stopping first at the Melka Kunture prehistoric site, an important archaeological location with stone tools and fossils. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiya, where mysterious ancient stelae rise from the ground. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Lake Ziway, famous for birdlife and scenic views, before continuing the journey to Hawassa. Relax by the lakeshore in the evening. Overnight: Haile Resort – Hawassa. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Start the day with a morning walk at the lively Hawassa fish market, experiencing local life as fishermen bring in their catch and endemic birds forage along the lake. Afterward, drive to Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park. In the afternoon, take a guided walk to spot wildlife including the endemic mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and diverse bird species amidst the stunning highland scenery. Overnight: Dinsho Lodge or campsite. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Begin a full-day trek across the breathtaking Afro-alpine landscapes of Bale Mountains National Park. Marvel at giant lobelias, unique Afro-montane flora, and sweeping panoramic views of the highlands. Keep an eye out for endemic wildlife, including Ethiopian wolves and various bird species. Experience the serenity and beauty of this remote highland region as you explore its pristine trails. Overnight: Bale Mountain Camp. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Continue your trek across the Bale Mountains, traversing high ridges, rolling meadows, and alpine valleys. Enjoy the stunning vistas of the highlands while observing unique flora and endemic wildlife. Keep a keen eye out for the elusive Ethiopian wolf, the world’s rarest canid, as well as other endemic species that inhabit this pristine Afro-alpine environment. Overnight: Bale Mountain Camp. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Explore the Sanetti Plateau at 4,000 m, often called the “Roof of Africa.” Trek across high-altitude meadows with panoramic views of the Bale Mountains. Spot endemic wildlife, including Ethiopian wolves, and admire giant lobelias and unique Afro-alpine flora. A full day immersed in one of Ethiopia’s most spectacular highland landscapes. Overnight: Bale Mountain Camp. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Descend into the lush Harenna Forest, a tropical Afro-montane forest rich in biodiversity. Observe colobus monkeys, endemic birds, and rare plant species along peaceful forest trails. Experience the serenity of this remote ecosystem, a contrast to the high-altitude plateau, before returning to camp. Overnight: Bale Mountain Camp. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Drive to the Sidama coffee region, famous for its rich coffee culture. Arrive at Aregash Lodge and spend the afternoon exploring surrounding coffee plantations and forests. Enjoy the tranquil lodge setting and prepare for a hands-on coffee experience. Overnight: Aregash Lodge – Yirgalem. Mid-range lodge located in Yirga Alem (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Spend the day in Yirgacheffe, world-renowned for its specialty coffee. Visit local plantations, meet farmers, and learn the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Discover the entire coffee-making process, from bean to cup, while enjoying the lush Sidama landscapes. Overnight: Aregash Lodge – Yirgalem. Mid-range lodge located in Yirga Alem (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Drive north to Lake Langano, the Rift Valley’s only swimmable lake. Relax at Savana Lodge, surrounded by forests and abundant birdlife. Optional activities include lakeside walks, swimming, or birdwatching in the nearby area. Overnight: Savana Lodge – Langano. Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Start the day with a birdwatching and game drive in Abijatta-Shalla National Park, home to flamingos, ostriches, and gazelles. Continue the drive back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner with a traditional cultural dance show before your transfer to the airport or overnight stay. Overnight: Addis Ababa. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
International flights (From/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Experience Ethiopia Tours is well experienced travel and tour operator to Ethiopia’s cultural, historical, natural and wildlife attractions is a private fully Ethiopian owned and run by young, flexible, energetic, articulate tourism expertise and highly skilled and qualified personnel who knows and love Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Haile Resort Hawassa - Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Experience Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Experience Ethiopia Tours.
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