6 DAYS - BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK AND LEPHIS ECO-TOURISM VILLAGE

Day 01: Addis Abeba-Dinsho- Fincha’a Habera

Early morning leave Addis Ababa via the Arsi highland area, home to the famous long-distance Ethiopian runners stopping en route for breakfast and leg stretching. After finalizing admission fees and picking our local guide at Bale Mountains National Park Head Quarter proceed onto the beautiful Habera Water Falls/Fincaa’a Habeeraa. We will drive the first 6km of the road and then trek the remaining 3km adorned with natural beauty. Today we will expect to see the endemic Mountain Nyala and Menelik Bushbuck as well as Warthogs, Bohor Reedbuck and Olive Baboon along with many higher elevation endemic bird species including Rouget’s Rail, Thick-billed Raven, Blue-winged Goose, Abyssinian Long Claw, Spot-breasted Plover, Abyssinian Catbird. 

Overnight Camping at Habera Water Falls (3469m asl).

02 Day: Habera-Soddota

Rise early to explore the Habera rock shelter, the earliest evidence of a prehistoric high-altitude residential site, and its environs. After breakfast, trek to Soddota (6km). The area between Habera and Soddota is one of the strong hold for Ethiopian Wolf- the rarest canid in the world, and the most endangered carnivore in Africa. The area is also blessed with spectacular scenery and raptors. Overnight: camping at Soddota (3500m asl).

Day 3: Soddota-Sannete

Morning Explore Soddota area and then drive to the Sannete plateau. Venturing up onto the plateau on the highest road of the continent, we will encounter a habitat of rolling moorland, punctuated with often dense pockets of the giant Lobelia and carpets of everlasting flowers. The star of Sanette Plateau undoubtedly is the Ethiopian Wolf. Trek about 2 hours to the camp site enjoying scenic alpine lakes and possibly spotting soaring raptors, Ethiopia Wolf, Giant Mole Rat and other rodent species. Overnight: Camping at Sannete (4100m asl)

Day 4: Sannete-Tulu Dimtu-Sannete-Goba

Today is a really exciting adventure day- trekking the highest peak in the area. After a short drive, you will strat trekking to the Tullu Dimtu peak which at 4377 m is the second highest summit in the country next to Ras Dashen. The round trek will take about 6 hours. Back to the main road and leave the plateau with a treasured memory, arriving at Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel early evening. Overnight: Shebelle Hotel

Day 5: Goba- Lephis Eco-tourism village.

Today drive from Bale Mountains to Lephis Eco-Tourism Village via Shashemene, a spiritual home of the Ras-Tafarian Community. Recently recognized as the Best Tourism Villages 2023 by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Lephis Ecotourism Village encompasses breathtaking hills, valleys and glades of unspoiled highland forests bursting with unique flora and fauna. The resident wildlife includes leopards, warthogs, bushbuck, mountain nyala, colobus monkeys as well as forest birds. Late afternoon, short hike around the village. Overnight: Camping at Lephis Community Campsite

Day 6: Lephis Eco-tourism Village- Addis Abeba

After breakfast, trek through the beautiful Lephis forest, waterfalls and enjoy the natural wonders of the area. Lunch at the campsite before driving to Addis Abeba. Overnight:  hotel