6-Day Arsi & Bale Mountains National Parks Exploration

• 6 Days / 5 Night
• Bale Mountains

Overview

Arsi Mountains National Park is located in the southeastern part of the Oromia Region and is known for its stunning highland scenery and diverse ecosystems. The park is part of the Ethiopian Highlands and features high-altitude plateaus, rolling hills, dense forests, and deep gorges. The Arsi Mountains are home to a variety of wildlife, including the endemic mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and several species of birds. The park is also an important water catchment area, with numerous rivers and streams originating from the mountains. Trekking in the Arsi Mountains offers visitors the chance to experience Ethiopia’s highland landscapes, spot wildlife, and explore the traditional villages of the local Oromo people.
Bale Mountains National Park is a pristine sanctuary of natural wonder and biodiversity nestled in the heart of Ethiopia. Spanning over 2,200 square kilometers, this expansive park offers a captivating blend of diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re an adventurous trekker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a nature lover seeking tranquility, Bale Mountains National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the wild.

Key Highlights:
⦁ Trekking in the Arsi Mountains.
⦁ Bird watching and wildlife spotting.
⦁ Afro-Alpine Habitat:
⦁ Wildlife Encounters:
⦁ Three Distinct Divisions of Bale NP: Dinsho, Sanate, and Haranna forest

Itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa to Arsi Mountains National Park & Lake Ziway

• Morning (7:00 AM): Depart from Addis Ababa and drive south towards the Arsi region. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours to reach areas near Arsi Mountains National Park.

• En Route: Stop at Lake Ziway, one of the Rift Valley lakes. Enjoy birdwatching (pelicans, cormorants, various storks) and observe local fishing activities. You can also take a short boat trip to one of the islands, though time might be limited on this itinerary.

• Afternoon: Arrive in the vicinity of Arsi Mountains National Park. While the park itself is relatively new and less developed for tourism than Bale, it offers opportunities for birdwatching and potentially spotting endemic mammals like the Menelik’s Bushbuck. Focus on the lower reaches and accessible areas.

• Evening: Check into a lodge near Lake Langano or Arsi Negele. These areas offer more established accommodation options and are strategically located for the drive to Bale the next day.

• Accommodation Suggestion: Haile Resort Ziway (if staying closer to Ziway) or a lodge near Langano, like Hara Langano Eco Lodge.

• Meals: Lunch en route, Dinner at the lodge.

Day 2: Arsi to Bale Mountains National Park (Dinsho)

• Morning (8:00 AM): After breakfast, continue your drive from Arsi towards Bale Mountains National Park. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, traversing beautiful highland landscapes.

• Late Morning/Lunch: Arrive in Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park. Check into your accommodation.

• Afternoon: Engage in a gentle walk around the Dinsho area and Gaysay Grasslands. This area is excellent for spotting endemic species that are often quite habituated, such as:

• Mountain Nyala: A magnificent endemic antelope, frequently seen here.

• Menelik’s Bushbuck: Another endemic antelope.

• Bohor Reedbuck, Warthog, Grey Duiker.

• Birds: Many endemic birds like the Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Abyssinian Catbird, and Rouget’s Rail.

• Evening: Dinner and overnight in Dinsho.

• Accommodation Suggestion: Dinsho Lodge (basic, but inside the park and great for wildlife), or hotels in nearby Goba/Robe if you prefer more amenities (though this adds travel time).

• Meals: Breakfast at the previous lodge, Lunch in Dinsho, Dinner at Dinsho Lodge/hotel.

Day 3: Sanetti Plateau & Ethiopian Wolf Search

• Morning (Early Start): Depart early for the Sanetti Plateau, the largest Afro-alpine habitat in Africa and a prime location for spotting the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf. The plateau offers breathtaking scenery with its vast moorlands, glacial lakes, and giant lobelias.

• Activities: Drive across the plateau, stopping for wildlife viewing. Look for the Ethiopian Wolf hunting rodents, various raptors (e.g., Lammergeyer), and endemic rodents like the Giant Molerat. You can also summit Tulu Dimtu (4,377m), the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, for panoramic views.

• Afternoon: Continue exploring different sections of the plateau and potentially descend towards the edge of the Harenna Forest for a change in scenery and habitat.

• Evening: Return to Dinsho or consider staying at Bale Mountain Lodge if your budget allows for a more luxurious experience deeper within the park (near Harenna Forest).

• Accommodation Suggestion: Dinsho Lodge or Bale Mountain Lodge.

• Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch on the plateau, Dinner at the lodge.

Day 4: Harenna Forest Exploration

• Morning: Dedicate the day to exploring the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia’s largest cloud forest, located on the southern slopes of the Bale Mountains. This area is drastically different from the Sanetti Plateau, offering lush, dense vegetation.

Activities

• Forest Walk/Trek: Hike through the forest to search for unique wildlife. This is one of the best places to see the endemic Bale Monkey, as well as other primates like Colobus Monkeys and various forest birds.

Total Cost: $750 pp

Inclusions
⦁ Transportation
⦁ Private 4WD vehicle with professional driver-guide throughout the tour
⦁ Fuel and all road tolls
⦁ Hotel or airport pick-up and drop-off in Addis Ababa
⦁ Accommodation
⦁ 5 nights’ accommodation in lodges or hotels (shared double/twin occupancy):
⦁ 1 night near Arsi Mountains/Lake Langano
⦁ 2 nights in or near Dinsho (basic lodge or hotel in Goba/Robe)
⦁ 1 night near Harenna Forest (optional upgrade to Bale Mountain Lodge if desired)
⦁ 1 night at Lake Langano or Ziway on the return leg (optional based on pacing)
⦁ Meals
⦁ Full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day
⦁ Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
⦁ Picnic lunches during excursions and hiking days
⦁ All Entrance and Permit Fees
⦁ Arsi Mountains National Park
⦁ Bale Mountains National Park (Dinsho, Sanetti Plateau, Harenna Forest)
⦁ Gaysay Grasslands access
⦁ Conservation and community fees
⦁ Guides and Local Support
⦁ English-speaking national guide throughout
⦁ Park scouts and local guides in both national parks
⦁ Forest guide in Harenna and wildlife tracking assistance on the Sanetti Plateau
⦁ Activities
⦁ Guided hikes and wildlife tracking
⦁ Birdwatching walks
⦁ Scenic drives and cultural interactions with local communities
⦁ All Government Taxes and Charges

Exclusions
⦁ Flights
⦁ Domestic or international airfare
⦁ Tips and Gratuities
⦁ Customary but optional tips for guides, drivers, scouts, and hotel staff
⦁ Personal Gear
⦁ Trekking gear (boots, day packs, weatherproof clothing)
⦁ Binoculars and personal medication
⦁ Single Room Supplement
⦁ Additional cost applies for travelers requesting single room occupancy
⦁ Personal Expenses
⦁ Laundry, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, snacks
⦁ Optional Activities
⦁ Horseback riding in Dinsho or Harenna (available on request)
⦁ Cultural visits or village tours are not included in the core plan
⦁ Professional Camera Fees
⦁ Occasionally required at some park gates or cultural sites
⦁ Travel Insurance
⦁ Guests are expected to arrange their insurance (recommended for health, trip interruption, and evacuation coverage)
Booking