The Bale Mountains National Park
The Bale Mountains National Park/BMNP
The
Bale Mountains National Park, covering an area of about 2500 Sq. Kms,
has the largest Afro-Alpine habitats in Africa. The Bale Mountains
National Park, , which was originally established for the purpose of
safeguarding the three endemic species of animals ; namely the
Menelik’s Bushbuck, Mountain Nyala and Semien Fox, presents visitors
with the opportunities of horse trekking, on foot trekking,
mountaineering and scenic driving in addition to the chance to view some
of the endemic birds and mammals. Over 250 bird species have been
recorded so far. These includes a number of endemic species such as
wattled Ibis, Rouget’s Rail, Black winged lovebird, Blue winged goose,
Yellow fronted parrot, Abyssinian long claw, spot breasted plover, black
headed forest oriole and Abyssinian woodpecker. The vegetation feature
of the Bale Mountains National Park, varies from the savannah of the
lowland to the dense forest of trees, shrubs & herbs; from open
wooded grasslands to moorlands with strange and exotic plants to
explore. The central area is a high plateau land known as, ‘Tullu
Dimtu’, is the 2nd highest peak, 4377m above sea level next to Ras
Dashen of the Simien Mountains National Park.
A sample itinerary for the trip to the Bale Mountains National Park via the Great Rift Valley Lakes
The
Bale Mountains National park (BMNP) harbors unique and diverse Fauna
and Flora. In its five vegetation zone; this area possesses many species
that are endemic to Ethiopia. Geologically the Bale Mountains were
formed from lava outpourings in the Miocene and Oligocene geological
periods, between 38 and 7 million years ago. These trap lavas covered
all underlying rock formations; this occurred prior to the formation of
the great East African Rift valley.
Day 1. Drive from Addis to Wondo Genet
This
is a drive via the great East African Rift Valley system and will have
many stops on the way to see some of the Rift valley Lakes, different
kind of birds, aquatic and terrestrial and to appreciate nature. Dinner
and overnight stay will be at Wondogenet resort which is found at midst
of a kind of rain forest area with a natural hot spring swimming pool
with natural curative power. Overnight stay at Wondo genet resort.
Day 2. Drive from Wondo genet to Bale Goba
Sightseeing
includes visit of Dinsho, the Head quarter for Bale Mountains National
Park. Dinsho and its surrounding have the highest density of large
mammals in Ethiopia. Moreover; the animals are remarkably tamed and
curious and it is a delight to walk in this small area. The massive
Hagenia and Juniperus trees are the dominant one from Flora and The
mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bush back, warthogs and Bohor reed backs from
that of the Fauna in Bale mountains National Park. So many species of
birds including the endemic Abyssinian Cat birds are found in this area.
Overnight stay at Goba Wabishebele hotel.
Day 3. Day trip to the sanetti plateauVisit includes:
The
magnificent view from the summit of Tullu Deemtu ( 4,377,the 2nd
highest mountain in Ethiopia next to the Ras Dashen in the simien
mountains) over the surrounding plateau and the tropical kind of forest
stretching into the distance.-The alpine Lakes and its habitats mainly
birds like the wattle cranes ,Egyptian goose, watled ibises lapwing, and
so-Rodents, and the endemic Ethiopian wolves, the red fox are some of
the habitats to be spotted in this trip .
Day 4. Day trip the Sof Umor cave
This
River gorge is spectacular for its depth and for the regular limestone
cliffs that shapes it. The caves were carved out of a limestone by the
web river, which travels about 1.5 kms. underground although the river
has changed its underground course over time. Now there are over 15Kms
of passages.
Day 5. Drive back to Addis AbabALate afternoon:
Sightseeing
stop in one of the crater lakes in Bishoftu/DebrezietAfterwards drive
to Addis and stay the overnight at hotel of your own choice.
If
you want a customized itinerary for trekking, quotation or any other
tour information about your trip and holiday vacations in Bale Mountains
National Park, Safari Ethiopia, the local tour operator in Ethiopia is
very happy to help. This holiday is operated by a company found in the
holiday destination. Safaris Ethiopia Tours will be able to tailor make
your holiday to suit your requirements.
Have your tailor made
and or package tour holiday vacation trip with Tour Operators based in
Ethiopia. Travelling and tours with Safari Ethiopia tour operators is
fascinating and an unforgettable life time event.