Pioneer Ethiopia tours

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$1,540 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 2.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Drive to Dinsho and visit Bale Mountains NP Headquarters

Drive to Dinsho and visit Bale Mountains NP Headquarters

The Bale Mountains National Park Headquarters is located in Dinsho, a small town in the northern part of the park. This headquarters serves as the primary entry point for visitors exploring the park. Dinsho is set amidst a scenic landscape of high-altitude grasslands and woodlands, providing a tranquil environment for those arriving at the park.

At the headquarters, visitors can find essential services such as information about the park, permits, and guides. There is a small visitor center that offers exhibits on the park's unique wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts. The area around Dinsho is also home to several endemic species, such as the mountain nyala and Menelik's bushbuck, which can often be spotted nearby.
Accommodations in Dinsho include simple lodges and campsites, making it a convenient base for exploring the park. The headquarters is also the starting point for several hiking trails that lead into the heart of the Bale Mountains.

Main Destination:
Bale Mountains National Park
Best Time To Visit Nov to Feb (Little rain)
High Season Oct to Jan (Park is never busy)
Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Warthog Common
Menelik's
bushbuck
Occasional
Guereza monkey Occasional
Show more
Olive baboon Occasional
Bohor reedbuck Occasional
Starck's hare Occasional
Giant mole-rat Occasional
Walia ibex None
Accommodation:
Bale Mountain Lodge
  • Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2-3

Trekking to the Sanetti Plateau

Trekking to the Sanetti Plateau

The Sanetti Plateau is a vast, high-altitude expanse within Bale Mountains National Park, situated at an elevation of 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. It is one of Africa's highest and most extensive alpine plateaus, characterized by its unique Afro-alpine moorland, which is dominated by giant lobelias, tussock grasses, and heather.

The plateau is a crucial habitat for several endemic species, most notably the Ethiopian wolf, the rarest and most endangered canid in the world. The wide-open landscape of the Sanetti Plateau, with its sweeping views and dramatic skies, offers an ideal setting for spotting these elusive predators as they hunt for giant mole rats, their primary prey.

In addition to the Ethiopian wolf, the plateau is home to a variety of other wildlife, including mountain nyala, Ethiopian highland hares, and a diverse array of bird species, such as the blue-winged goose and wattled crane, many of which are endemic to Ethiopia.

Main Destination:
Bale Mountains National Park
Accommodation:
Bale Mountain Lodge
  • Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4-5

Exploration of the Harenna Forest, Spotting of Wildlife and Nature Walks

Exploration of the Harenna Forest, Spotting of Wildlife and Nature Walks

Harenna Forest is one of the largest and most biodiverse forests in Ethiopia, located on the southern slopes of the Bale Mountains within Bale Mountains National Park. It stretches from the high-altitude moorlands of the Sanetti Plateau down to the lowlands, covering a wide range of altitudes that contribute to its rich diversity of flora and fauna.
The forest's unique microclimate, maintained by frequent mist and rainfall, creates a habitat for many species that are rarely found elsewhere in Ethiopia.
Harenna Forest is home to an array of wildlife, including the endemic Bale monkey. Other notable inhabitants include black-maned lions, leopards and giant forest hogs. The forest is also a haven for birdlife, with over 160 bird species recorded, including the Abyssinian catbird and the rare Abyssinian owl.

Visitors to Harenna Forest can explore its trails on foot or by vehicle, experiencing the serenity and natural beauty of one of Ethiopia's last remaining cloud forests.

Main Destination:
Bale Mountains National Park
Accommodation:
Bale Mountain Lodge
  • Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Visit to Sof Omar Caves

Visit to Sof Omar Caves

The Sof Umar Caves are one of Africa’s largest and most awe-inspiring cave systems. Located just 110 kilometers from Robe town, these caves offer a unique exploration experience that combines breathtaking geological formations with rich historical and cultural significance. The Sof Umar Caves are a testament to nature’s grandeur, carved by the Webb River over countless years. This underground labyrinth spans about 15 kilometers, featuring a network of tunnels and chambers that resemble a giant spider’s web. The main walking route, just over a kilometer long, takes you through majestic limestone gates and cathedral-like caverns, offering a two-hour journey into the heart of this natural wonder.

The Sof Umar Caves are a perfect day trip from Robe, where you can find comfortable accommodations and local amenities. Whether you’re an intrepid explorer or a cultural traveler, the caves provide a captivating and enriching experience.

Main Destination:
Sof Omar Caves (Highlight)
Accommodation:
Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel
  • Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Drive back to Addis Ababa for journey back home

Drive back to Addis Ababa for journey back home

After morning breakfast at Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel, visitors will be driven to Addis Ababa and transferred to Bole international Airport for the journey back home. Based on interests and preferences of the visitors, arrangements can be made for additional tour packages to different locations at extra costs.

Main Destination:
No major destination visited
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Meals at own expense
  • Drinks not included

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Pioneer Ethiopia tours, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • This group tour requires a minimum of 5 people to run.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Pioneer Ethiopia tours.