Bale Mountains National Park
Overview
Ethiopia Parks
By Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Ethiopia.
The Sanetti Plateau in Bale Mountains National Park, located at 4,000m/13,123ft altitude, protects the world’s largest tract of Afro-alpine moorland. Surprisingly, you won’t have to climb a mountain to experience this otherworldly environment. Instead, you’re able to drive up on the world’s highest all-weather road. Keep an eye out for the endemic Ethiopian wolf trotting around looking for the giant mole-rats on which it preys.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Bale Mountains NP is the best place in the country to see a good range of endemic mammals and birds. Although highly endangered, the Ethiopian wolf is remarkably easy to spot. Their social nature is best appreciated when you see them regroup at a den site. Mountain nyala and Menelik's bushbuck are endemic antelope you can expect to see on a guided hike from Dinsho Headquarters.
Scenery
Bale Mountains NP protects several different habitats. Most spectacular is the vast, 250km²/97mi², high-altitude Sanetti Plateau, covered in heath and dotted with giant lobelia plants. South of the plateau, the Harenna escarpment offers never-ending views before the road drops down to the mysterious cloud forest with its trees draped in old man’s beard (plants with a white feather-like appearance) shrouded in mist. The most accessible section of the park, at Dinsho Headquarters, protects a beautiful juniper-hagenia woodland.
Weather & Climate
The weather in Bale Mountains National Park is generally wet and mild. It rains regularly in the Wet season from April to October but the Dry season, from November to March, only sees sporadic rain. Days see temperatures of about 18°C/64°F, but nights are generally cold and frost is not unusual.
Best Time to Visit
November to February is generally considered the best time to visit Bale Mountains National Park. This is the Dry season and conditions are ideal for hiking. Traveling in the Wet season months can be a bit more of an adventure as downpours can interrupt activities. Lush vegetation, clear views and wildflowers are characteristic of this time.
Want to Visit Bale Mountains NP?
Safari Tours to Bale Mountains NP
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![10-Day The Wildlife Highlights of Ethiopia]()
10-Day The Wildlife Highlights of Ethiopia
$3,630 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP, Bale Mountains NP, Addis Ababa (End)
Timbuktu
5.0/5 – 21 Reviews
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![12-Day Rare Mammals of Ethiopia]()
12-Day Rare Mammals of Ethiopia
$6,055 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesEthiopia: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Debre Libanos (Highlight), Awash NP, Aledeghi, Bale Mountains NP, Awasa (City), Addis (City), Addis Ababa (End)
Pictus Safaris
5.0/5 – 4 Reviews
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![12-Day Best of Ethiopia Birding Tour Around]()
12-Day Best of Ethiopia Birding Tour Around
$4,134 to $4,374 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Shared tour (max 15 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & ResortYou Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Debre Libanos (Highlight), Awash NP, Langano, Awasa (City), Bale Mountains NP, Addis Ababa (End)
Senait Ethiopia Tours
4.8/5 – 17 Reviews
