Established in 1970, Bale Mountains National park (BMNP) covers the largest area higher than 3000m above sea level (asl) in Africa. The highest peak in the BMNP, Tullu Dimtuu, at an altitude of 4377m asl, is the second highest peak in Ethiopia. The park includes an Afroalpine plateau over 3500m asl, which is the largest area of Afroalpine habitat on the African continent, as well as a major section of moist tropical forest, the second largest in Ethiopia. The park is known by its diversified wildlife resources and affluent endemic birds and mammals. It is 400 km from Addis Ababa with an Area of 2,200 km2. Moreover, it is a home of Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Ethiopian Wolf, Lion, Leopard, Bohor Reedbuck, Bale Monkey and , Abyssinian Hare.
BMNP is also endowed with vast amount of bird species including Blue-winged Goose, Abyssinian cat bird, White Cheeked turaco, Spot-breasted lapwing, Abyssinian long claw, Ethiopian/black-headed siskin, Roget’s rail, Golden Eagle, Lammergeyer, Abyssinian Wood Pecker
This is a magnificent high altitude plateau with numerous dramatic volcanic plugs, easonal tiny alpine lakes and cascading mountain streams. Located at about 400 kilometers from Addis Ababa, it is stretched over an area of 2000 square kilometers with in altitude ranges of 1500m-4377m above sea level. Being the largest Afro Alpine abitat park in Africa, Bale mountain National Park offers the following major features of attraction.
It gives chances of viewing about 46 mammal and more than 200 bird species and vegetation of unspoiled wonderland including various tree species and precious endemic mammals, namely Red Fox, Mountain Nyala, and Menelik’s Bushbuck. Its climate is mostly very cold with high rainfall and damp cloud with rare sparkling blue sky.. The best season of walking, trekking and camping in the park to view the endemic life and enjoy other tourist activities in the astonishing vast alpine areas is the dry season which is from November to March. Visitors can also enjoy the habitat at all seasons with warm and weather proof clothing.
The three main divisions of the park, includes the northern area-Dinsho and Gassay Plain the central alpine part-Sanate, and the southern forest area-Haranna that offer distinct features. Dinsho area is the perfect site of viewing Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck, etc. Tourists can also visit the head quarter and the museum of the park here at Dinsho and get lodge service and relevant information about the park.
Tourist activities
- Trekking- Trekking, as opposed to hiking, involves traveling by foot over longer periods of time. The journey often goes through rough terrains, such as mountains or jungles. Bale is the best in this.
- Hiking-hiking is a natural exercise that promotes physical fitness, is economical and convenient, and requires no special equipment. Bale is the best at this.
- Camping- Camping is a famous outdoor activity that involves an overnight stay in a tent. Bale is the at this proving more than 22 camping sites.
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Wildlife expedition
- Forest adventures- Jungle tourism is a subcategory of adventure tourism which is nothing but traveling to the jungle regions. Harannaa part of the bale mountains national park provides this option
