Bale Mountains National Park in southern Ethiopia rises from juniper and Hagenia woodland to the Sanetti Plateau, the largest area of Afro-alpine habitat on the continent at over 4,000 m. Here, Ethiopian wolves — Africa’s most endangered carnivore — hunt giant mole rats among the heather.
The Gaysay grasslands near the park headquarters at Dinsho are home to mountain nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck, and below the plateau the Harenna Forest is one of the largest cloud forests in Ethiopia.
Highlights
- Ethiopian wolves on the Sanetti Plateau
- Mountain nyala at Gaysay
- Harenna cloud forest
- Endemic birds
Wildlife & what you'll see
- Ethiopian wolf
- Mountain nyala
- Giant mole rat
- Rouget's rail and blue-winged goose
Things to do
- Wildlife drives
- Guided walks
- Birdwatching
- Horse trekking
Best time to visit
November to March.
Getting there
Fly from Addis Ababa to Robe, or drive about 7 hours from the capital.
Experiences in Bale Mountains
FAQs about Bale Mountains
What are the chances of seeing an Ethiopian wolf?
On the Sanetti Plateau, sightings are very likely on a full day of searching, particularly in the morning.
