Bale Mountain Lodge

A cloud forest setting in the Bale Mountains, home to the Ethiopian wolf

A cosy lodge, slopes carpeted in cloud forest, and unique wildlife – Bale Mountains offer an African safari unlike any other. A visit here is worth every second of the long haul from the capital.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Bale Mountain Lodge

Welcome to the south-central Ethiopian highlands, home to some of the richest and most pristine wilderness on the planet, and one of the last places you'll find the wild, enigmatic Ethiopian wolf. The landscape is a tapestry of juniper forests, rolling moorlands, lakes, gorges and volcanic cavities – perfect for travellers keen to experience encounters with local wildlife. Bale Mountain Lodge sits at 2,380 metres in the heart of Bale Mountain National Park, in a forest clearing. This family-run lodge has tried hard to stay in harmony with its surrounds, with stone, wood and thatch, and its own hydroelectric power.

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From $350 person/night

Lodge

11 Rooms

Bale Mountains, Ethiopia

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What you'll love

The location is surreal, the wildlife is astonishing and you’ll be hard-pressed to stop staring at the incredible views before you.

Insiders tip

Visiting after the rainy season (October to May) means the highlands will be lush and green and ideal for hiking.

Something to think about

Explore Ethiopia's rich human history, too. Visit the Rift Valley, with its camel markets and arid landscapes (45 minutes by road to the south), or the Sof Omar Caves, reputedly Africa’s largest limestone cave system (a day's trip to the north).

The property

Bale Mountain Lodge lies in a clearing in the Harenna cloud forest, with a backdrop of tree-blanketed peaks and a river flowing nearby. Tear your eyes from the views to admire the structure itself. Sensitively designed to blend with its surroundings, the lodge's circular, slate-walled lounge and dining area is comfortably furnished, and has large windows. There's a fireplace for cold evenings, and a bar ideal for sampling local brews, cocktails and good Rift Valley wines. Expect nourishing home-style meals.

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The rooms

Eight stone cottages face eastward to soak up the crisp morning light, and a further five thatched cottages nestle within the trees on the forested slopes (one is a pretty treehouse). Common to all rooms are lovely private views, a double bed, an en-suite bathroom with a shower and double basin, and a wood-burning stove for chilly evenings. The furniture is locally made, as is the upholstery and curtains, which are bright local fabrics. Extra single beds can be added.

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Activities

Cultural

Birding

Game Drives

The Ethiopian wolf is perhaps the biggest drawcard here – it thrives at this altitude, hunting for mole-rats on the plateau. However, there are plenty of other endemic species to look out for, from mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, Bale monkey and gelada baboon to Bale and Harenna chameleons and wonderful birds. The Afro-Alpine moorland forest and various sub-habitats are ideal for exploring with a guide. Take a game drive, go horse riding, or visit local cultural sights (extra cost).

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Reviews

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NaN out of 5 stars

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NaN out of 5 stars

About Bale Mountains

Bale Mountains

Hike through the rarefied and dramatic landscape in search of Ethiopian wolf and endemic species.

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