Robe → Sanetti Plateau → Tulu Dimtu → Harenna Forest

Bale Mountains - Travel from Goba to the Sanetti Plateau

Sanetti Plateau - Journey from Goba to the Sanetti Plateau, the highest plateau in Africa, where the alpine moorland unfolds at approximately 4,000 meters altitude into one of the continent’s most remarkable high-altitude landscapes. A 2 to 3-hour trek across the expansive open plains provides excellent opportunities to spot the Ethiopian Wolf, the Giant Mole-Rat, falcons, raptors, and numerous endemic bird species against a backdrop of wild alpine scenery and plateau lakes.

Mount Tullu Dimtu - Proceed by vehicle to Tulu Dimtu at 4,377 meters, the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, for a brief acclimatization walk around the summit and a picnic lunch at altitude. The return drive to the plateau is taken slowly, with multiple stops to enhance the chances of a second Ethiopian Wolf sighting as the animals become more active in the late afternoon light. Few places in Africa offer this altitude, ecosystem, and density of endemic species simultaneously.

Bale Mountains National Park - In the afternoon, gradually descend from the Sanetti Plateau into the Harenna Forest, the second-largest tropical rainforest in Ethiopia, at an altitude of 2,977 meters. The transition from open alpine moorland to dense bamboo forest and towering cloud forest trees occurs within a single drive, making this one of the most dramatic ecological contrasts in any Ethiopian national park. A 2 to 3-hour hike through the bamboo forest leads to a waterfall, with excellent opportunities to observe the endemic Bale Monkey, baboons, and black-and-white colobus monkeys in the forest canopy. Continue deeper into the forest to watch for leopard, giant forest hog, bush pig, and numerous endemic bird species. The forest is alive with sound in a way the plateau is not — the guide identifies species by call as much as by sight.

The leisurely drive back toward the Sanetti Plateau includes additional stops for Ethiopian Wolf as the day concludes.

Gaysay Plains Trek → Robe

Dinshu - Start at Dinsho, the headquarters village of Bale Mountains National Park, where the guided hike enters juniper woodlands that shelter some of Ethiopia’s rarest endemic mammals. Look out for Menelik’s Bushbuck, Mountain Nyala, Warthog, Reedbuck, and Grey Duiker — all endemic or endangered species found in this specific ecosystem. The trees also host three of Ethiopia’s endemic birds: the Abyssinian Flycatcher, the Wattled Ibis, and the Abyssinian Catbird. The Bale massif surrounding you was formed by lava flows nearly 40 million years ago and later reshaped by the last two ice ages, making it the largest afro-alpine ecosystem on the African continent. The professional guide provides naturalist interpretation throughout, explaining the ecological significance of each sighting and the relationship between the high-altitude flora and the endemic wildlife that depends on it. A picnic lunch is served in a scenic natural setting within the park.

Robe → Web Valley → Departure

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Domestic Flights

This exclusive 3-day trek begins at Africa’s highest plateau. On Day 1, participants will explore the Sanetti Plateau at an elevation of 4,000 meters, the continent’s highest plateau, and proceed to Tulu Dimtu at 4,377 meters, Ethiopia’s second-highest peak. The journey then descends into the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia’s second-largest tropical rainforest, at 2,977 meters. This itinerary is unique in Ethiopian wildlife tourism for covering such a wide altitude range in a single day. Day 2 features the Gaysay grasslands, renowned for Mountain Nyala sightings, and the juniper woodlands of Dinsho, which are home to Menelik’s Bushbuck, Grey Duiker, and three endemic bird species. On Day 3, the trek continues through the Web Valley into the Sodota afro-alpine plains, a prime area for spotting the Ethiopian Wolf, Africa’s most endangered carnivore, with several dedicated stops. A private 4x4 vehicle, a professional English-speaking guide, and full board are provided throughout the trek.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.