Introduction
Explore southern Ethiopia on an unforgettable 8-day adventure combining the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Langano, Abijatta-Shalla National Park and the spectacular Bale Mountains. Trek through Afro-alpine landscapes and the Sanetti Plateau while searching for Ethiopian Wolves, Mountain Nyala and endemic birds. Visit Habera Waterfall, Garba Guracha and Tulu Dimtu while enjoying breathtaking mountain and wildlife scenery.
Tour Highlights
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Ethiopian Wolf
- Mountain Nyala
- Habera Waterfall
- Sanetti Plateau
- Garba Guracha (Black Lake)
- Tulu Dimtu – 4,377 m
- Afro-alpine landscapes
- Wildlife and birdwatching
- Great Rift Valley scenery
- Mountain trekking and camping
- Lake Langano
- Abijatta-Shalla National Park
Day-by-Day Itinerary
After breakfast, depart Addis Ababa and drive south through the scenic Ethiopian Rift Valley. Stop at Ziway (Batu) for lunch and enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Ziway, with opportunities to see hippos and a variety of water birds. Continue to Lake Langano for relaxation and free time. Overnight at a lodge in Lake Langano.
Drive south through the Great Rift Valley toward the Bale Mountains. Upon arrival in the Dinsho area, begin exploring the national park and look for Mountain Nyala, Bushbuck, Menelik's Bushbuck, Warthogs and other wildlife. Overnight in the Dinsho area.
Begin the trek through the spectacular Bale Mountains. Trek for approximately 6–7 hours through beautiful mountain landscapes and visit Habera Waterfall. Keep an eye out for Ethiopian Wolves and endemic highland birds. Overnight camping at Sodota Camp.
Trek for approximately 5–6 hours, covering around 15 km through Afro-alpine grasslands and giant lobelia landscapes. Watch for Ethiopian Wolves, Giant Mole Rats and highland birds. The altitude reaches approximately 3,900 metres. Overnight camping at Wasema Camp.
Continue trekking for approximately 7–8 hours, covering around 17 km. Cross the scenic Worgona Valley and reach Garba Guracha (Black Lake), one of the highest alpine lakes in Ethiopia. Enjoy wildlife and birdwatching opportunities along the route. Overnight camping at Garba Guracha.
Continue toward the main road and drive across the spectacular Sanetti Plateau. Visit Tulu Dimtu, approximately 4,377 metres above sea level and one of the highest points in Ethiopia. Enjoy panoramic highland scenery and opportunities to observe Ethiopian Wolves and endemic birds before continuing to Robe. Overnight in Robe.
Depart Robe and drive toward Abijatta-Shalla National Park. Enjoy a park drive through the Rift Valley landscapes with opportunities to observe wildlife and birds. Continue to Lake Langano for your final overnight stay. Overnight at a lodge in Lake Langano.
After breakfast, drive back to Addis Ababa through the scenic Ethiopian Rift Valley. Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy a final stop or lunch along the way. Arrive in Addis Ababa and end of the tour.
What's Included
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide
- Private ground transportation
- Bale Mountains National Park entrance fees
- Scout fees
- Camping equipment
- Tents
- Sleeping bags, if requested
- Camping staff
- All trekking meals
- Drinking water during trekking
- Mule or horse for luggage transportation
- Hotel accommodation in Lake Langano
- Hotel accommodation in the Robe/Dinsho area
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal trekking equipment
- Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
What to Bring
- Hiking boots
- Day backpack
- Warm jacket and warm layers
- Rain jacket
- Gloves and warm hat
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp
- Camera
- Personal medications
- Comfortable trekking clothes
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation & Refund Policy
We understand that travel plans can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
- More than 7 days before departure: Refund of the refundable amount, minus any non-recoverable costs such as flights, hotels, permits, entrance fees, and prepaid services.
- 3–7 days before departure: Up to 50% refund of the refundable amount, minus non-recoverable costs.
- Within 72 hours of departure: No refund or travel credit.
- After the tour has started: Used or prepaid services are generally non-refundable.
- Non-refundable services: Flights, accommodation, permits, entrance fees, activities, and third-party services are subject to the supplier's cancellation policies and may not be refundable once booked and paid.
- If Mesob Ethiopia Tours cancels or reschedules a tour due to safety concerns or unforeseen circumstances, guests may choose rescheduling or a refund of refundable amounts, subject to non-recoverable costs.
Important: The final refund depends on the actual costs incurred and the cancellation policies of the suppliers involved. For full details, please visit the Cancellation & Refund Policy page on the Mesob Ethiopia Tours website.
Best For / Good to Know
Ideal for travelers interested in trekking, wildlife, birdwatching, photography and mountain camping.
The Bale Mountains are located at high altitude and temperatures can be cold, especially at night. Weather conditions can change quickly, so warm and waterproof clothing is recommended.
A moderate to good level of fitness is recommended because several trekking days involve 5–8 hours of walking at high altitude.
The itinerary may be adjusted slightly depending on weather, trail conditions, wildlife conditions and local circumstances.
Ethiopian Wolves and other wildlife are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.