Bale Mountains Wildlife Safari
Look for the Ethiopian wolf and mountain nyala on the Sanetti Plateau and in the forests of the Bale Mountains.
From USD 1,720 per person
Check datesOverview
The journey in brief
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Where
- Southern · Bale Mountains
- Travel style
- Small group
- Best season
- November to March
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Price
- USD 1,720 per person
The Bale Mountains are a high, cool region of moorland and forest. Walks and drives here give the best chance of seeing the Ethiopian wolf, one of the world’s rarest canids.
The trip combines wildlife watching with time in the Harenna Forest and along the rivers below the plateau.
Highlights
- Search for the Ethiopian wolf on the Sanetti Plateau
- See mountain nyala and other endemic mammals
- Walk in the Harenna Forest
- Birdwatching with a local guide
What is included
- Accommodation as described, on a twin-share basis
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- A local English-speaking guide
- Transport in a private vehicle and any domestic flights listed
- Entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
What is not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1 Drive from Addis Ababa to DinshoDinsho
A long drive south-east to Dinsho, at the north of the park, with stops on the way.
Activities
- Scenic drive
Day 2 Dinsho and the Gaysay grasslandsDinsho
A morning walk near park headquarters to look for mountain nyala and bushbuck, then a drive to the Gaysay grasslands.
Activities
- Guided walk
- Wildlife drive
Day 3 Across the Sanetti PlateauSanetti Plateau
A day on the plateau at about 4,000 metres, searching for wolves, and a stop at Tullu Dimtu, the second-highest peak in Ethiopia.
Activities
- Wolf watching
- Plateau drive
Day 4 Into the Harenna ForestHarenna Forest
Down through the mist to the ancient Harenna Forest, home to monkeys, birds and, if you are fortunate, forest mammals.
Activities
- Forest walk
- Birdwatching
Day 5 A second look for the wolfSanetti Plateau
An early return to the plateau, when wolves are most active, before a relaxed afternoon.
Activities
- Dawn wolf watching
- Free time
Day 6 Drive towards Addis AbabaRift Valley
The long drive back north with a stop at a Rift Valley lake.
Activities
- Scenic drive
- Lake stop
Day 7 Return to Addis Ababa and departureAddis Ababa
A short transfer to Addis Ababa and to the airport.
Activities
- Airport transfer
Itineraries can change with weather, road and flight conditions. We will tell you promptly if they do.
Good to know
Before you book
- Guide languages
- English, Amharic
- Minimum age
- 12 years and over
- Group size
- 2 to 12 travellers
- Meeting point
- Your hotel or Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. We confirm the exact meeting time and place by email before you travel.
- Accessibility
- Many sites involve uneven ground and steps. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will advise.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat and sun protection
- A warm layer for cool evenings
- A small day pack
- A reusable water bottle
Dress code: Modest, comfortable clothing. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
Cancellation policy
This tour follows the Standard policy. Days are whole calendar days before departure.
| When you cancel | What you get back |
|---|---|
| 60 or more days before departure | Full refund |
| 30 to 59 days before departure | 75% refund |
| 15 to 29 days before departure | 50% refund |
| 8 to 14 days before departure | 25% refund |
| Fewer than 8 days before departure | No refund |
Questions
About this tour
Will I see the Ethiopian wolf?
Ready for Ethiopia?
Choose your dates above, or tell us what you have in mind and we will shape the trip around you.