3-day Bale Mountains trekking from Addis Ababa: Ethiopian wolf

Trek the Sanetti Plateau to spot one of Africa's rarest predators

A 3-day trekking tour from Addis Ababa into Bale Mountains National Park, combining flights, guided hikes across the Sanetti Plateau at 4,000 metres and walks through Harenna Forest to search for Ethiopian wolves, mountain nyala and endemic birds. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Addis Ababa, all transport, accommodation in Goba, a local English-speaking guide, and bottled water throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Flight and drive to Goba

• Catch flight at 11:45 with ET 175
• Complete hike requirements at Bale Mountains HQ
• Walk woodland to see antelope families
• Drive 45km to Goba for overnight
• Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 2: Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Sanetti Plateau
• View Ethiopian Wolf and scenery
• Proceed to Harenna Forest via Tullu Deemtu
• Overnight at Goba Wabeshebelle hotel

Day 3: Hike and return to Addis Ababa

• Breakfast at hotel
• Short hike in Bale Mountains National Park
• Catch midday flight to Addis Ababa
• Pick up from Bole Airport
• Drop off at hotel and end of service

The experience

The tour starts with an 11:45 flight from Addis Ababa to Goba, where you'll arrive and complete park requirements before an easy woodland hike near the park headquarters to spot antelope families. You'll drive the remaining 45 kilometres to Goba for your first overnight stay, giving you time to settle and prepare for the higher altitude ahead.

Day two is the core trek: you'll drive to the Sanetti Plateau, the largest afro-alpine area in Africa at 4,000 metres, where the endangered Ethiopian wolf roams. One of the world's rarest carnivores and the reason UNESCO flagged this park as critical to global mammal survival. From there you'll cross to Harenna Forest via Tullu Deemtu, Ethiopia's second-highest peak at 4,377 metres, moving through radically different ecosystems in a single day. The guide will point out mountain nyala, giant molerats, Bale monkeys and the rare birds and plants that make this a Conservation International Biodiversity Hotspot.

On the final morning, a short hike precedes your midday flight back to Addis Ababa, where you'll be picked up from Bole Airport and returned to your hotel by late afternoon. The itinerary compresses three distinct landscapes and two nights of mountain time into the window most travellers have between arrival and onward travel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Addis Ababa.
• both flights (Addis to Goba and return).
• two nights' accommodation at Goba Wabeshebelle hotel.
• air-conditioned vehicle and all park transport.
• a local guide speaking English.
• bottled water throughout the trek.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ethio Travel And Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're prepared for sustained high-altitude walking with early starts: the Sanetti Plateau trek prioritizes reaching wolf habitat over comfort, so it suits those who hike for wildlife rather than scenic ease.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Ethiopian wolf and where will I see it on this trek?

The Ethiopian wolf is Africa's rarest carnivore and one of the world's most endangered predators, found only in the highlands of Ethiopia. The Sanetti Plateau at 4,000 metres is its stronghold, and your guide will search for them during the day-two trek across the plateau, though sightings are never guaranteed. The park is also home to mountain nyala, giant molerats and Bale monkeys you're more likely to encounter.

Do I need to be an experienced trekker to do this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Day one is an easy woodland walk, but day two involves trekking at high altitude (4,000 to 4,377 metres) across the Sanetti Plateau and up to Tullu Deemtu. The altitude and terrain demand stamina, though the pace is set by the group and the guide.

What's included in the 3-day price, and what do I need to arrange separately?

The tour includes both flights from and back to Addis Ababa, hotel pickup and drop-off, two nights' accommodation in Goba, all transport within the park, a local English-speaking guide, and bottled water. You'll need your own meals beyond what the hotel provides, and any personal gear like trekking boots and warm layers for the high altitude.

How high is the Sanetti Plateau, and will altitude be a problem?

The Sanetti Plateau sits at 4,000 metres, and you'll trek up to Tullu Deemtu at 4,377 metres on day two. You're flying in from Addis Ababa at 2,355 metres, so the jump is significant. The itinerary gives you one night to acclimatise before the high-altitude day, but travellers with cardiovascular concerns or poor fitness should consult a doctor before booking.

What time does the tour start, and when do I return to Addis Ababa?

The tour begins with an 11:45 flight from Addis Ababa on day one, arriving in Goba in the afternoon. On day three, you'll catch a midday flight back to Addis Ababa and be dropped at your hotel by late afternoon, so the tour fits into a three-calendar-day window without eating into your first or last full day in the city.