National Museum of Ethiopia

Meet at Bole International airport and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is exploring the town of Addis Ababa; we began with National Museum to view the 3.6 million-year-old remains of Lucy, whose skeletal remains were discovered in 1974.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

visit also the Holy Trinity Cathedrals and time permitting Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis and Mercato the open market.

We start a full day’s drive to the Bale Mt. National Park, traveling thorough the southeast part of the capital, where fertile land is cultivated by the Oromo people. We arrive at Dinsho (Park HQ) in the afternoon, in time to walk around and see some of the endemic mammals: Menelik’s Bushbuck, and Mountain Nyala. And birds Blue-winged goose, Spot-breasted lapwing, Abyssinian long claw, Wattled ibis, Black-headed siskin, Rouget’s rail, and of course other species, too.

The whole day wonder around Dinsho and Geysay Valley. In time hike to see three of the endemic mammals: Menelik’s Bushbuck, Mountain Nyala and Ethiopian wolf.

Bale Mountains

Accompanied by your guide, a scout and packhorses we trek 5 hrs through the lush highland vegetation to our first campsite. The air here is clean and crisp and the scenery utterly stunning.

Bale Mountains

After breakfast we resume trek that will last for approx. 7-8 hrs. The trek offers the chance to see Ethiopia’s endemic Abyssinian Wolf.

Today we trek through the highlands, crossing Batu Mountain on the way to Gebre Guracha. Wild flowers abound, the dominant plant being the Helichrysm, or ‘everlasting’ flowers. The Everlasting plant can be seen in several forms, but the grey bushes of H. splendidum are the most striking with their yellow flowers. Several rodent species are found in the area.

We trek for 5 hrs to the highest peak in the Bale Mountains, Tullu Deemtu (4377m, 14357ft) which is part of the Sanetti Plateau. The vistas are simply unbelievable and so photogenic. Here you will find small alpine lakes and typical afro-alpine vegetation that includes the Giant Lobelia and shrubs such as ‘Everlasting’. Vistas reach out to the strange pinnacles of Chorchora Peak and across the sheer-sided Tegona River Gorge. There are views to the steep-sided volcanic plug of Konteh Tullu and the long, craggy ridges of Mount Batu.

Addis Ababa

Drive back to Addis Ababa with stops on the way at rift valley Lakes. Evening a fare well dinner party in one of the traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dances from different ethnic groups. Then transfer to The Airport for your flight back home.