BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Bale Mountains National Park is located 400km southeast of Addis Ababa. The Bale Mountains are part of the Bale-Arsi massif, which forms the western section of the southeastern Ethiopian Highlands. The park covers a total approximated area of 2,150km2. The Bale Mountains were formed prior to the formation of the Great Rift Valley, from lava outpourings which covered all underlying rock formations millions of years ago. The park was established in the year 1970 and is managed by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority. The mountains play a very vital role in climate control which has obvious implications for livestock and agricultural production. The park is the ultimate destination for hikers, wildlife watchers, culture and nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and way more.
Best time to visit
The park is open all year round although the most popular time to visit is from November from April when its fairly dry.
Highlights
- The Ethiopian wolves.
- The park is rich in birdlife and features birds like spot-breasted lapwing, yellow-fronted parrot, Abyssinian longclaw, Abyssinian catbird, Bale parisoma, Ethiopian siskin and fawn-breasted waxbill.
- More than 1,321 species of flowering plants, 163 of which are endemic to Ethiopia and 23 to Bale alone (14% of Ethiopia’s endemic plants).
- Medicinal plants hotspots in Gaysay and Angesu area. Some like St. John’s Wort used to combat depression and the female flowers of hagenia contain anthelmintic which is used to treat tapeworms.
Our Favourite Properties
Bale Mountain Lodge
Is a boutique forest wilderness lodge located in the depths of the park within the Harenna Forest at an altitude of 2380m above sea level. The lodge promotes sound conservation principles in order to reduce the impact of negative activities in the park. The lodge has invested in the use of micro-hydro power which facilitates in the sufficient supply of electricity in the lodge, bio gas and properly manages its waste.See more.
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