10-Day Bale Mountains Safari Tour
An immersive wildlife trekking adventure through Ethiopia’s spectacular Bale Mountains National Park.
Day 1 – Addis Ababa to Dinsho
- Drive from Addis Ababa to Dinsho, or be picked up from Bale Goba Airport.
- Upon arrival, check in at the park headquarters.
- In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely hike around the HQ area spotting endemic wildlife such as the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck.
- Birdwatching opportunities abound in this area.
- Overnight: Dinsho Campsite.
Day 2 – Dinsho to Adlye
- Trek from Dinsho HQ to the northern Gaysay grasslands (5–6 hrs walk).
- These grasslands, located between the Web and Danka Rivers, are prime viewing areas for large herds of Mountain Nyala and Bohor Reedbuck.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Bodeti Mountain and the Adelay ridges.
- Overnight: Adlye Woodland Campsite.
Day 3 – Adlye to Sodota
- Trek 6–7 hours from Adlye to Sodota through scenic landscapes.
- Spot endemic birds such as the Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Longclaw, and Wattled Ibis.
- Sodota is one of the best areas to observe the rare Ethiopian Wolf.
- Overnight: Sodota Campsite.
Day 4 – Sodota to Keyrensa Valley
- Start your 6–7 hour trek from Sodota to Keyrensa Valley.
- Pass through the beautiful Morobawaa Valley with stunning views and nesting Lammergeyers and Verreaux’s Eagles.
- Chance to spot more Ethiopian Wolves and unique highland birds.
- Overnight: Keyrensa Campsite.
Day 5 – Keyrensa to Rafu
- Trek 5–6 hours from Keyrensa to Rafu.
- Enjoy a shorter hike to “The Rooftop of Africa,” with views of Mount Keyrensa.
- Arrive at Rafu Camp, surrounded by mind-bending natural stone formations.
- Overnight: Rafu Campsite.
Day 6 – Rafu to Sanetti Plateau
- Trek 6–7 hours from Rafu to Sanetti Plateau.
- Meet your driver and drive 2 hours across scenic highlands and villages.
- Pass through bamboo groves and the lush Harenna Forest.
- Overnight: Rira Semi-Eco Lodge or local campsite.
Day 7 – Sanetti Plateau to Harenna, Rira
- Morning hike through Harenna Forest to view hidden waterfalls and rock pools.
- Look out for Colobus Monkeys, Bale Monkeys, and endemic bird species.
- Overnight: Rira Village Semi-Campsite.
Day 8 – Rira Village to Manyate
- Morning walk through the coffee-growing areas and Harenna Forest—the second-largest forest in Ethiopia.
- Observe diverse wildlife and endemic birds.
- Overnight: Manyate Coffee Village Semi-Campsite.
Day 9 – Exploration around Harenna Forest
- Spend the day hiking through Harenna Forest, one of the best places for forest-specialist birds.
- Highlights include the Abyssinian Catbird, Abyssinian Oriole, and Yellow-fronted Parrot.
- Overnight: Manyate Coffee Village Semi-Campsite.
Day 10 – Drive from Harenna to Goba
- Drive slowly from Manyate to Bale Goba, stopping to spot more Ethiopian Wolves and birds.
- Ascend Mount Tullu Dimtu (4,389m), Ethiopia’s second-highest peak, for panoramic views.
- Conclude the trip in Goba.
- Overnight: Web Shebelle Hotel, Goba.
Trip End.
✨ Highlights of the Tour
- 10-day immersive trekking safari across Bale Mountains National Park.
- Spot Ethiopia’s unique wildlife including Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and Ethiopian Wolf.
- Hike through the Sanetti Plateau, Keyrensa Valley, and the Harenna Forest.
- Experience birdwatching with rare species like Abyssinian Catbird and Blue-winged Goose.
- Blend of adventure, wildlife photography, and local community encounters.
✅ Included Services
- 🚗 4W Drive Vehicle: with driver and fuel included
- 🎟️ All Entrance Fees: access to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- 💧 Bottled Water: stay hydrated during your tours
- ☕ Cultural Coffee: experience traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies
- 🗣️ English Speaking Guides: expert guidance throughout your journey
- 🍽️ All meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: enjoy delicious meals at selected locations
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: any unlisted or personal stays
- 👨🏫 Professional Guide Service: personalized assistance and local insights
📸 Camera & Video Charges: personal photography or filming with special fees
❌ Excluded Services
- 🍷 Alcoholic Drinks: not included in the package
- ✈️ Any Flight: international or extra flights are excluded
- 🛡️ Personal Insurance: travel or medical insurance not included
- 💰 Personal Tips & Gratitude: for guides, drivers, or staff
- 🛍️ Shopping Items: souvenirs or personal purchases
📝 SMT Tour – Cancellation Policy
🙋♂️ Cancellation by You (the Traveler)
- 📅 More than 30 days before the tour: Full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
- 📅 15–30 days before the tour: 50% refund of the total booking amount.
- 📅 Less than 15 days before the tour: No refund.
🏛️ Cancellation by SMT Tour
In rare cases, if SMT Tour must cancel a tour, you will receive a full refund. Whenever possible, we will also offer alternative dates or similar tour options.
🔄 Changes to Your Booking
Changes such as dates or number of travelers are subject to availability and may incur additional charges. Please contact us as early as possible to make adjustments.
🌪️ Force Majeure
SMT Tour is not responsible for cancellations due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters, political unrest, or pandemics. We will assist with rescheduling or providing credit for future tours.
💳 Refund Process
Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–14 business days after cancellation confirmation.
💡 Travel Tip
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected situations that may affect your travel plans.