The Bale Park

Day 1: Addis Ababa

ITALY / ADDIS ABABA (-/L/D)
Bale National Park, located in southern Ethiopia, is one of the most extraordinary places for nature and biodiversity lovers. Its landscapes range from dense mountain forests to vast plateaus, home to unique wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, antelopes, baboons, and over 300 bird species, many of which are endemic.
Exploring it on horseback allows for silent close encounters with animals, crossing remote territories and enjoying an authentic and sustainable perspective. It’s a fascinating and respectful way to immerse yourself in one of the richest and most pristine ecosystems in East Africa.

Arrival at Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD), meeting with our local correspondents and transfer to the hotel to drop off luggage. Afterwards, city tour including the National Museum, notable for its Sabaean artifacts and remains of Lucy, a hominid who lived in the Awash Valley three and a half million years ago, and the Ethnographic Museum, featuring a splendid collection of musical instruments, Coptic crosses, and the rooms where Emperor Haile Selassie once lived. Lunch break followed by an afternoon visit to St. George’s Church and finally to Entoto Hill, the city’s best panoramic viewpoint. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2:

ADDIS ABABA / DINSHO (B/-/D)
After breakfast, transfer of about 400 km (7 hours) to Bale National Park. Lunch en route. The landscapes we will cross are beautiful. Upon arrival, a short walk around the park to see the mountain nyala, Menelik’s tragelaph, warthogs, and many others, as well as a great variety of flora and birds. Camp set up for the first overnight stay at about 2000 m altitude.

Day 3:

DINSHO (B/L/D)
After breakfast, meet the horses and start a trek of about 14 km (4 hours). First stop at Finch Abera waterfalls at 2,500 m. This area is formed by ancient volcanic rocks carved by rivers that have created spectacular waterfalls. Packed lunch. Overnight and dinner in the tented camp.

Day 4:

DINSHO / WASEMA (B/L/D)
After breakfast, second day on horseback trekking about 10 km inside this park created to protect the mountain nyala and the Ethiopian wolf. It covers an area of 2000 km² of woods, forests, lakes, volcanic peaks, and the largest Afro-alpine zone on the continent. Packed lunch during the day. Dinner and overnight at the second tented camp at Wasema at 3,000 m.

Day 5:

WASEMA / RAFU (B/L/D)
After breakfast, departure for the third day of horseback trekking of about 10 km crossing plains at an altitude of 2,500 m, surrounded by mountains cultivated with wheat. Above this altitude, up to 3,300 m, there is a belt of juniper and Hagenia abyssinica forest. Above 3,300 m trees disappear and the heather moorland begins, reaching 3,600 m where all vegetation vanishes. Packed lunch during the trek. Dinner and overnight at the third tented camp.

Day 6:

RAFU / GARBA GURACHA (B/L/D)
After breakfast, departure towards Garba Guracha, among the park’s permanent lakes that serve as a natural refuge for numerous aquatic birds, especially ducks migrating here from Europe during winter. Today’s trek covers about 20 km.

Day 7:

GARBA GURACHA / ROBE (B/-/D)
After breakfast, ride to Sanetti Plateau at 4,000 m. After a couple of hours, arrival at vehicles. Farewell to the horses and continuation by car to try to spot the Ethiopian wolf. Lunch break then proceed to Harenna Forest and after visits transfer to Robe, about 60 km. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 8:

ROBE / ADDIS ABABA / ITALY (B/-/D)
Early morning departure for Addis Ababa, about 450 km (7 hours) transfer. Lunch on the way. Upon arrival, day-use room for luggage storage and preparation for departure (one room every two people). Dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with singing and dancing. Transfer to the airport for the international flight with an evening departure.

Notes:
The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. Extensions at the beginning or end of the tour are possible upon request.

(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °° (EASY / INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: Hotels + tented camps
EQUIPMENT: Saddles made by local artisans
HORSES: Locally bred horses, hardy and of good character, suitable for all rider types
PACE: Approximately 3 to 4 hours riding per day. Terrain varies from plains to mountainous areas up to 4,000 m altitude.
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable and waterproof riding clothing, protective helmet, first aid medicines, sunscreen, insect repellent. Bring sleeping bag, headlamp, solar charger for tented camp stays.
MAX WEIGHT: 90 kg
MINIMUM AGE: 20 years
TYPE: Itinerant trekking with overnight stays in hotels and tented camps

ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1: BEST WESTERN SAPPHIRE HOTEL 4* in Addis Ababa
Nights 2/3: DINSHO LODGE in Dinsho or tented camp (depending on availability and temperature)
Night 4: Tented camp at Wasema
Night 5: Tented camp at Rafu
Night 6: Tented camp at Garba Guracha
Night 7: NUROBE HOTEL in Robe 3*
The tented camp accommodations are basic with access to running water and electricity until 10 PM thanks to a generator. Sleeping bags are NOT provided.

Departure dates available on request in January, February, March, October, November, December with a minimum of 2 riders. Start any day of the week.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 4

SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS:
Supplement for base group of 3 - per person €470
Supplement for base group of 2 - per person €1,520
Single room supplement €120
Extra night in double room at 4* hotel BB - per person €70
Extra night in single room at 4* hotel BB - €120