Nominated as a tentative UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 2009, the Bale Mountains form one of Africa’s most unique and thrilling wildlife-viewing destinations.

This is the most important remaining global stronghold for several endangered large mammal species, among them the charismatic Ethiopian wolf, handsome mountain nyala and delightful Bale monkey.

Getting There

Dinsho, the park headquarters, is 370km from Addis Ababa via Adama and Asela, the quickest and least trafficked road route.

An alternative 420km route via Shashemene is preferred by tours that also include the Rift Valley lakes. Tours can be booked with local tour operators in the main towns.

Getting Around

An all-weather road runs from Dinsho via Robe to Goba before continuing south to traverse the Sanetti Plateau and then descend into the Harenna Forest. This road offers good wildlife viewing and birding, and comes with a good chance of spotting many endemics, but the likes of Dinsho and the Harenna Forest will be more productive explored on foot. Multi-day hikes can be organised at the guides association and ticketing office at Dinsho.