6 Days Outdoor Camping to the Bale Mountains

Depart early morning from Addis Ababa, driving south through the Great Rift Valley past lakes Ziway and Langano. Ascend into the Arsi-Bale highlands arriving at Dinsho, the national park headquarters. Complete registration and take an introductory evening walk through the ancient Hagenia and juniper forest to spot endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, and warthogs. Overnight camping at Dinsho.

Trek westward into the wide, glacier-carved Web Valley. En route, stop at the picturesque Finch Habera waterfall where the Web River cascades over basalt shelves. Enter prime Ethiopian Wolf hunting territory along the riverbanks where giant root rats are abundant. Reach Sodota campsite surrounded by rocky pinnacles and raptor nesting cliffs.

Climb gently through Mararo Valley flanked by volcanic towers. Walk through vast forests of Giant Lobelia (Lobelia rhynchopetalum) standing like sentinels across the tundra. Watch for Lammergeier (bearded vulture) and Verreaux's eagles soaring on alpine thermals. Arrive at Wasama campsite situated at the base of Mount Wasama.

Ascend the Wasama Ridge to cross the alpine pass between Mount Wasama and Batu Peak (4,203m). Take in 360-degree panoramic views stretching across the roof of southern Ethiopia. Descend into the cirque of Garba Guracha ("Black Water"), a stunning natural tarn formed during the Pleistocene ice ages. Camp beside the crystal-clear glacial lake.

Early morning climb out of the Garba Guracha cirque onto the expansive Sanetti Plateau. Stand atop Tullu Dimtu (4,377m), the highest point in southern Ethiopia. Scan the rocky tundra for packs of Ethiopian wolves patrolling their territories. Meet our support vehicle and drive down the southern escarpment to Goba for a hot shower and celebratory lodge dinner.

Depart Goba after breakfast, descending from the highlands through Shashamane and past the scenic Rift Valley lakes. Stop for lunch and fresh fruit tasting in the Rift Valley. Arrive in Addis Ababa late afternoon where our vehicle transfers you to your hotel or airport.