Wild Ethiopia: Trekking the Bale Mountains
At a Glance
This tour is the 5 day extension to the 7 day South Omo Group Tour here. You can opt for the whole 12 days or just the 5 days Bale Mountain trip detailed below.
This tour is also available as a 3- 6 day private trip or extension to a private tour year round - contact us for availability.
✧ Tour Length: 5 days
✧ Dates: 15th - 19th May 2027
✧ Accommodation: Very basic camping 2 nights, hotels for 3 nights. Individual private rooms with en suite. Hotel upgrade (no camping necessary on request)
✧ Price: £1,249
✧ Inclusive of: accommodation, all meals, drinks, all transport including internal flights, entrance fees, guides, carbon offset, charity donation, water filtration bottle complimentary.
See full details of inclusions below.
★★★★★ Reviewed Tour
"This experience is truly like none other. If you are interested in going to Ethiopia, there is, simply and honestly put, no other choice than to book via Ethical Ethiopia Experiences."
Marty P. - Google Review, Jan 2026
a 5-Day Small-group Bale Mountains Adventure: Untamed Ethiopia
Experience Ethiopia: Above the Clouds
Discover the wild beauty of the Bale Mountains, where vast highland plateaus, ancient forests and extraordinary wildlife create one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable landscapes. From searching for rare Ethiopian wolves on the Sanetti Plateau to camping beneath a sky full of stars, this is a chance to experience a wilder, quieter side of Ethiopia.
Bale Mountains Extension
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Search for Ethiopian wolves on the spectacular Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa's highest landscapes
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Walk through ancient forests and mountain wilderness, looking for endemic wildlife and discovering Ethiopia's remarkable biodiversity
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Camp beneath the stars in the Bale Mountains, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the highlands
How this is different
Explore the Bale Mountains with an expert local guide who was born here and has spent over 20 years working in these mountains. His deep knowledge and passion bring the landscape to life, helping you discover hidden corners, understand the wildlife and get closer to the animals that make Bale so special.
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Trip overview
Some guests will have been on the South Omo Group Tour which will run until the day before this tour starts. More info here.
Day 1 – Arba Minch → Hawassa · Scenic Rift Valley drive, lakeside relaxation & private boat ride spotting hippos and African fish eagles
Day 2– Hawassa → Bale Mountains · Journey into the highlands, wildlife spotting, guided forest walk & first night camping beneath the stars
Day 3 – Bale Mountains · Sanetti Plateau, Ethiopian wolf spotting, dramatic afroalpine landscapes & the misty Harenna Forest
Day 4 – Bale Mountains · Guided highland trekking, visit a small waterfall, mountain scenery & overnight in Dinsho
Day 5 – Bale Mountains → Addis Ababa · Scenic journey out of the highlands, flight back to Addis & celebratory Ethiopian cultural dinner
Click for Full Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Addis Ababa
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Arrival Day: You should arrive the day before your tour starts. Usually you’ll arrive in the evening, and take the shuttle transfer to your hotel.
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Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your accommodation. We will give you our top recommendations of where you should explore whether you're in Addis just for the evening or for a day or two before the tour starts. Alternatively, we can arrange a city tour for you. But make sure you use your time to rest well to prepare for the exciting adventure ahead!
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Accommodation: Basic hotel in Addis
Day 1: Hippo spotting in hawassa
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Morning – Fly to Hawassa: Take the morning flight to Hawassa, meet the group, have lunch and settle into your hotel.
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Late Afternoon – Hippo Spotting Boat Tour: Enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Hawassa, where you can spot hippos, African fish eagles, and local fishermen working with ancient techniques.
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Evening – Dinner & Overnight in Hawassa: Savor fresh grilled tilapia at a local lakeside spot frequented by locals and surrounded by the bizarre Marabou Storks. Optional - head into town for local nightlife.
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Accommodation: Small hotel in Hawassa
Day 2: INTO BALE NATIONAL PARK
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Morning – Journey to Bale: Drive approximately 4.5 hours to Bale Mountains National Park, travelling through changing landscapes as you climb into the Ethiopian highlands. Meet your expert Bale guide, chef and horses, which will carry the camping equipment for your mountain adventure.
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Lunch – In Dinsho: Stop for lunch in Dinsho, the gateway to Bale Mountains
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Afternoon – Explore Bale Mountains National Park: Drive into the park, taking in the beautiful highland scenery and keeping your eyes open for wildlife along the way. Take a gentle walk through the nearby juniper and Hagenia forests, where you may spot endemic mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, warthogs and colourful highland birds.
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Evening – Dinner & Overnight Camping in Dinsho: Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and an evening around the campfire
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Accommodation: Camping in Bale Mountains (hotel upgrade available upon request)
Day 3: Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest Adventure
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Early Morning – Into the Afroalpine World: Set off early for the dramatic Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa’s highest and most otherworldly landscapes, sitting above 4,000m. Explore the vast afroalpine landscape, keeping your eyes open for the elusive Ethiopian wolf, giant mole-rats and soaring Lammergeiers. Learn about the extraordinary wildlife that survives in this high-altitude environment, with stops to take in the panoramic views across the moorlands.
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Midday – Picnic in the Mountains: Enjoy a picnic lunch
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Afternoon – Descend into Harenna Forest: Drive down the other side of the escarpment into the misty, green world of Harenna Forest. Discover ancient trees, wild coffee plants and rare primates like the Bale monkey.
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Evening – Dinner & Overnight in the Highlands: Settle in for another evening in the mountains, enjoying warm food and time around the fire
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Accommodation: Camping in Bale Mountains (hotel upgrade available upon request)
Day 4: Trekking & Wildlife in Bale Mountains
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Morning – Guided Highland Trek: Spend the morning exploring the beautiful highland landscapes on foot with your local guide. Walk through open grasslands and mountain forests, enjoying the fresh air, sweeping views and opportunities to spot endemic wildlife in its natural habitat.
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Midday – Picnic in Nature: Take a break for a relaxed picnic lunch in the mountains, surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the national park.
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Afternoon – Visit to the Waterfall: Enjoy a scenic walk to a beautiful waterfall in the Bale Mountains, taking in the surrounding landscapes and the fresh mountain air. Spend time exploring the area and appreciating the natural beauty of this lesser-visited part of Ethiopia.
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Evening – Return to Dinsho: Head back to Dinsho after a final day in the mountains, with time to relax and reflect on your Bale adventure.
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Accommodation: Hotel in Dinsho
Day 5: Bale Mountains to Addis Ababa
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Morning – Return to Addis: Enjoy breakfast before beginning the journey out of the Bale Mountains and back towards Addis Ababa. Fly from Robe to Addis.
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Afternoon/Evening: Arrive back in Addis Ababa and check into your accommodation.
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Evening - Cultural Show: We’ll wrap up the trip with a traditional celebration dinner at a cultural restaurant. It's a place loved by locals and travellers alike, you can't stop a smile from the dance performances from all over Ethiopia. It’s the perfect finale! Then we will sadly have to drop you either to the airport or hotel
This marks the end of your guided tour with us, giving you time to explore Addis independently, we can arrange a city tour for you or you can head home
You'll return home with unforgettable memories of Ethiopia and a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary diversity of this country.
What do previous guests think?
Pricing
Experience the best of the South of Ethiopia, inclusive of the below for 5 day Bale Mountains Group Tour.
What’s Included ✔️
5 nights' accommodation, all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, activities, guides, transport and 2 internal flights from Addis Ababa to Hawassa and Robe to Addis Ababa.
✔️ Included in Both Options
✔️ Accommodation: Private rooms in locally owned guesthouses and lodges, generally with en-suite bathrooms. The 2 nights camping in the mountains - this has no shower or toilet facilities. Hotel upgrade available on request.
✔️ All Meals & Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Included throughout your chosen itinerary.
✔️ Expert Local Guides: Travel with Geta, your experienced English-speaking guide, alongside knowledgeable local guides.
✔️ All Transport & Included Internal Flights: Private ground transport and the internal flights specified in your chosen itinerary (internal flights are included if you fly internationally with Ethiopian airlines, if you do not a surcharge will apply)
✔️ Exclusive Cultural Experiences: All activities and entrance fees listed in your itinerary
✔️ Community Support: A portion of your payment goes directly towards local community projects.
✔️ Carbon Offsetting & Tree Planting: We offset your trip's carbon emissions and plant a tree for every traveller.
✔️ Complimentary LifeStraw Water Bottle: Helps filter bacteria and parasites from suitable freshwater sources.
✔️ Respectful Photography Guidance: Advice on asking permission and photographing people respectfully.
✔️ 24/7 In-Country Support: Personal assistance from Fiona, a British travel expert based in Ethiopia.
✔️ Pre-Trip Travel Advice: Packing lists, safety advice and cultural guidance, with the opportunity to ask questions by email or phone.
What’s Not Included ❌
❌ International Flights
❌ Travel Insurance - recommended
❌ Alcoholic Drinks
❌ Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, massages, accommodation upgrades, personal purchases and optional extras.
❌ Tips: At your discretion. We’ll explain local tipping customs before your trip.
Key information
Dates:
5 Day Bale Extension: 15th - 19th May 2027
Payment schedules
Bale Extension - May 2027 departure:
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£249 deposit at booking (secures your spot)
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£500 by 30th March 2027
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£500 by 30th April 2027
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Total: £1,249
Number of places left: 9
Discounts available:
Earlybird: The first 2 people to book on the tour will have their accommodation paid in Addis for an additional night - either the night before the trip starts or the night after it ends.
Group discount: Please enquire for a discount for couples/friends/family who would like to share a room
Please note: Our group trips are designed for small groups and we aim to run all scheduled departures. In rare cases where numbers are very low, we may adjust dates or offer alternative options so that every trip runs smoothly and sustainably.
This isn’t just a holiday - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to chance to connect with a culture at a turning point, before modernization changes its way of life forever.
Ready for an adventure?
Enquire below:
Who is this trip for?
This trek is for travellers who love wild places, wildlife and a real sense of adventure. You’ll spend three days exploring the spectacular Bale Mountains with an expert local guide who has spent over 20 years working in these landscapes.
You’re here to hike across high-altitude plateaus, explore ancient forests and search for Ethiopia’s rare and remarkable wildlife. You’ll learn from someone who knows these mountains intimately and experience a side of Ethiopia few visitors see.
Ideal travellers for this trek:
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Enjoy hiking and are comfortable with the physical demands of walking at high altitude
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Love wildlife and the thrill of searching for animals in their natural habitat
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Want to explore remote landscapes with a knowledgeable local guide
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Are happy to camp in basic conditions, without toilets or showers (You can upgrade to a hotel if you would like - this would mean no toilets in the daytime still)
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Embrace adventure, changing conditions and the unexpected
You’re here for the feeling of reaching a vast mountain plateau, spotting wildlife in the distance and falling asleep beneath a sky full of stars.
You don’t need to be an expert trekker, but you do need a sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace the wild.
Who is this trip not for?
This trek involves physical effort and simple living, so it’s important to know what to expect.
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If you need comfort and facilities: There are no toilets or showers during the camping trek, and facilities are basic. (BUT you can upgrade to a hotel if you would like - this would mean no toilets in the daytime still)
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If hiking at altitude isn’t for you: The trek involves walking at high elevations, which can be physically demanding.
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If you need a very comfortable night’s sleep: Camping conditions are simple, and the weather can be unpredictable.
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If you expect guaranteed wildlife sightings: Ethiopian wolves and other wild animals roam freely. Sightings are never guaranteed, however experienced your guide.
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If you need everything to go to plan: Mountain weather and trail conditions can change, so flexibility is essential.
This is a chance to experience the Bale Mountains as they are, not as a carefully packaged adventure with every comfort provided.
If you’re the type of person willing to swap hot showers and familiar comforts for wild landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and nights under the stars, you may find this trek unforgettable.
FAQs
These are the questions previous travellers have asked the most - but if your question isn't here, do reach out!
Is this trip safe?
Yes. We have designed the trip to ensure that all activities take place in Ethiopia’s politically stable green zones. For more information on safety see here and/or get in touch.
Your guide carries a first-aid kit, has emergency contacts in every location, and only travels on safe roads.
For minor illness, we know good local doctors.
The vehicles you travel in are modern, with seatbelts and are reguarly maintained.
Terrain includes tarmac and dirt roads; the longest drive at a time is about 4 hours (mostly dirt roads).
Malaria is present though, we recommend preventative medicine and up-to date vaccinations.
What is the accommodation like?
You’ll mostly stay in local hotels with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms. Modern, clean, usually with hot water and power (occasional outages may occur). These are not luxury hotels.
In the Bale mountains, you will be camping, tents, foam mattresses and sleeping bags will be available. There is no pillow provided and there are no showers or toilets in your campsites. Your guide will show you where you can use the toilet in the bush privately. There is the option to upgrade to hotels in Dinsho if you would prefer, just let us know.
Couples or friends can share rooms for a discount.
What about food?
Meals are authentic Ethiopian cuisine, with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan options (please let us know in advance) and most allergy needs accommodated with advance notice. Some international food is available in Hawassa, Arba Minch, or on request in Turmi. Food hygiene is our top priority - we select reputable places and provide handwashing stations; guests are encouraged to bring sanitiser. When camping, the food will be basic camp food.
How does logistics and transport work?
Internal flights from Addis Ababa to Hawassa and Robe to Addis Ababa is included; we meet you at the airport with your name card and contact info. All local transfers are provided. Group size is 10 or fewer, ensuring personal attention and flexibility.
What if plans change?
While disruptions are rare, we adapt the itinerary to give you the best experiences possible — substituting activities or shifting schedules if needed.
What if I have specific dietary needs, mobility limits, or special requests?
We can accommodate most dietary needs if notified in advance. The trip requires some flexibility on timing, terrain, and daily pace; if you have severe mobility limitations or back issues, please check with us.
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
While disruptions are rare, we adapt the itinerary to give you the best experiences possible — substituting activities or shifting schedules if needed.
Will I fit in if I'm travelling solo?
Many of our guests travel solo, and the small group size (maximum 10) creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Most travellers are in their 30s–60s and share an interest in culture, learning, and meaningful travel and are always a great bunch!
Who will be guiding the trip?
Your journey is led by Geta, who will be with you throughout. Geta has years of experience leading tours across Ethiopia. Geta is in the unique position of having lived in the UK for 7 years and travelled across Europe, South East Asia, Mexico and East Africa, bringing an understanding of tourism and your culture that can be hard to grasp when you haven't left the region.
Geta will work alongside experienced local guides in other regions. In the Bale mountains, your guide Ayuba has worked in the area for nearly 2 decades. He is very passionate about showing people the wildlife in the Bale mountains and he has great English.
Will the experience still feel authentic if we are travelling as a group?
Yes — with a maximum of 10 travellers, the group remains small enough to alter the trekking to suit the group and have time to stop and enjoy local wildlife encounters.
Larger groups often can’t access these experiences. Our size keeps the atmosphere social, personal, respectful, and immersive.
Why don't you have any spaces in your group tours?
We keep groups intentionally small (maximum 10 travellers) so experiences remain personal and respectful for the communities we visit. We would not want our tours to contribute to over-tourism or for you to feel like you're on a conveyor belt - this region is so special and we want it to stay that way!
Because of this limited capacity — and the unique cultural access involved — places tend to book well in advance.
If this journey resonates with you, we recommend reserving early to secure your place.
If you have missed out on securing the date you want, please can get in contact for a private tour and/or join our mailing list to hear when we release new dates.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Ethiopia?
Tap water is not safe to drink in Ethiopia. To make staying hydrated easy, we include a LifeStraw water bottle for every traveller, allowing you to safely filter drinking water throughout the journey. It removes 99% of bacteria, parasites, microplastics etc. We can also provide bottled water for brushing teeth.
The Lifestraw water bottle is one of the thoughtful extras we include to make your journey easier and more comfortable.
Will I have support before and during the trip?
Yes. Before you travel, you’ll have direct access to Fiona via call, Whatsapp and email, she is a native English speaker and co-founder, who can help with preparation and answer questions - no question is too big / small / weird! During the journey, she remains available if you need reassurance or support.
This is to make your experience smoother and more personal.
Will I know how to prepare for the trip?
Absolutely. Before departure you’ll receive a detailed packing list and an 80-page Ethiopia guide. It covers culture, customs, practical preparation, and what to expect day-to-day so you can arrive feeling confident. You don't have to read this - it is not in any way required because Geta will be with you throughout your trip to provide you with all of the information you need. We know some guests like to rock up and see what the country brings, and some like to read up beforehand - there's no right or wrong way but we provide the guide for those who want it.
It’s one of the extra touches we include to help you feel prepared and relaxed before the adventure begins.
What are the toilets like?
At your accommodation, you’ll have western-style toilets with private bathrooms. You’ll have access to these most of the time throughout the journey.
Occasionally, if we make an unplanned stop during a drive, there’s a small chance the only available facilities may be local squat toilets. We try to avoid this wherever possible, but it can happen in rare situations.
When camping in the Bale mountains, there are no formal toilet facilities (or showers), so you would need to use the bush. If this doesn’t feel comfortable for you, that’s absolutely fine — you can choose to upgrade to a hotel instead of camping.
What is the flight supplement?
Internal Ethiopian flights are cheaper when your international flight into Ethiopia is booked with Ethiopian Airlines.
If you arrive on another airline, the cost of the internal flights increases slightly. In this case, we may need to add a flight supplement of around £50–£100 per internal flight.
How long are the drives?
The longest single drive on the tour is around four hours at a time. Approximately half of the drive time is on tarmac roads and half is on dirt roads.
However, this is not every day. We’ve designed the itinerary to include multiple days in one place, allowing you to settle in and experience the area rather than constantly moving.
Didn't answer your question? Feel free to reach out via email, Whatsapp Call or message, or request a callback.
Looking for a private tour?
Have a look at some of our options below or contact us for your personalised itinerary
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