Gashem Travel

Hiking & Trekking

Multi-day & Extended Tours, From Centrally Located Hotel in Addis Ababa to null

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£795.87
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Details
Duration:
7 days
Departs:
From Centrally Located Hotel in Addis Ababa
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Information from Viator
Tour description
Bale Mountains National Park is Located 400 km southeast of Addis Ababa. Contains a spectacularly diverse landscape. The high altitude, afro-montane Sanetti Plateau rises to over 4,000 m and includes the highest peak in the southern Ethiopia highlands. This undulating plateau is marked by numerous glacial lakes and swamps and surrounded by higher volcanic ridges and peaks. The southern slopes are covered by the lush and largely unexplored Harenna Forest. Bale Mountains National Park is the ultimate destination for hikers, wildlife watchers, culture and nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and more!. This trekking tour is applicable in seven days and six nights of stay. Since most of our nights are in camping, all the necessary equipment are included. Beside Mountain guide, park Scout, camp Cook and mule Tender are also provided. Mules or horses carry all equipment including luggage.

Day 1: Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains National Park Drive from Addis to the Bale Mountains National Park. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, in time for a leisurely afternoon hike, possibly spotting two endemic mammals that frequent the area: Menelik’s Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattle Ibis, the Black-Headed Siskin, Rouget’s Rail, and numerous other species. Overnight Camping Day 2: Trekking Bale Mountains National Park Starting from Dinsho, trek to Adelay via the Geysay Valley and the Web River, viewing the Web waterfall along the way. During the hike, there will be wonderful chances to see the Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, and possibly Colobus Monkeys. Trekking will take 4-5 hours. Overnight CampingDay 3: Trekking Bale Mountains National Park Trek to Wasama through a beautiful landscape with stunning views. Pass through Mararo Valley where the Lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles keep nests. There will also be a chance of seeing the Ethiopian Wolf and other species of birds. Trekking will take 7-8 hours. Overnight CampingDay 4: Trekking Bale Mountains National Park Start the day by hiking up Mt. Wasama (4200m) and then continue down into the Worgona Valley. Falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian Wolf will be visible. End the day at Lake Gebre Gurracha, meaning “black lake” in the Oromic language. Trekking will take 7-8 hours. Overnight CampingDay 5: Sanetti Plateau Take a short trek from Gebre Gurracha up to the Sanetti Plateau to meet vehicles. Explore the Sanetti Plateau by car. This is the best place in Ethiopia to view the Ethiopian wolf. Overnight HotelDay 6: Harenna Forest Drive to the Harenna Forest. This is in the southern end of the park and holds a unique variety of vegetation. The Harenna Escarpment towers 2000m above the edge of the forest and provides stunning views. Return to Goba for the night. Overnight HotelDay 7: Bale Mountains National Park – Addis Ababa Drive back to Addis Ababa having scenic views on the way at Rift Valley Lakes. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure or additional hotel nights booked upon request.

What’s included
Accommodations
Transfer in and out from Airport;
Meal (lunch And dinner
Local guides service
Surface using latest model cars including fuel and driver’s allowance;
Professional English speaking guide service;
Bottle water
All applicable government taxes
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea
What’s not included
Visa expenses;
Video or photographing fees or tips at different sites;
Any alcoholic drinks;
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains National Park Drive from Addis to the Bale Mountains National Park. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, in time for a leisurely afternoon hike, possibly spotting two endemic mammals that frequent the area: Menelik’s Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattle Ibis, the Black-Headed Siskin, Rouget’s Rail, and numerous other species. Overnight Camping

Day 2: Day 2: Trekking Bale Mountains National Park Starting from Dinsho, trek to Adelay via the Geysay Valley and the Web River, viewing the Web waterfall along the way. During the hike, there will be wonderful chances to see the Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, and possibly Colobus Monkeys. Trekking will take 4-5 hours. Overnight Camping

Day 3: Day 3: Trekking Bale Mountains National Park Trek to Wasama through a beautiful landscape with stunning views. Pass through Mararo Valley where the Lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles keep nests. There will also be a chance of seeing the Ethiopian Wolf and other species of birds. Trekking will take 7-8 hours. Overnight Camping

Day 4: Day 4: Trekking Bale Mountains National Park Start the day by hiking up Mt. Wasama (4200m) and then continue down into the Worgona Valley. Falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian Wolf will be visible. End the day at Lake Gebre Gurracha, meaning “black lake” in the Oromic language. Trekking will take 7-8 hours. Overnight Camping

Day 5: Day 5: Sanetti Plateau Take a short trek from Gebre Gurracha up to the Sanetti Plateau to meet vehicles. Explore the Sanetti Plateau by car. This is the best place in Ethiopia to view the Ethiopian wolf. Overnight Hotel

Day 6: Day 6: Harenna Forest Drive to the Harenna Forest. This is in the southern end of the park and holds a unique variety of vegetation. The Harenna Escarpment towers 2000m above the edge of the forest and provides stunning views. Return to Goba for the night. Overnight Hotel

Day 7: Day 7: Bale Mountains National Park – Addis Ababa Drive back to Addis Ababa having scenic views on the way at Rift Valley Lakes. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure or additional hotel nights booked upon request.

Farm Tour

Stone Age tour and travel is proud to serve its clients with the newly emerging farm tour of Ethiopia; many people are growing more interested in how their food is produced, or how the population of a foreign country produces food.

Our farm tour packages of Ethiopia allow tourists to view the growing, harvesting, and processing of locally grown foods and also our packages offer a home-stay opportunity and general experience on the workings of the farm environment.

Our farm tour packages offer city dwellers a chance to escape city hustle and re-discover their rural roots. In addition visiting farmers and other agricultural sites, we are experts to handle your agricultural related queries about Ethiopia.

Hot Air Balloon Flight

The famous European activity is now available in Ethiopia operated by pilots with over 30 years of experience in Europe. The flight departs from Addis and outside the capital, Addis Ababa which are safe to ballooning and enjoy the beautiful nature of Ethiopia

Water Rafting

Omo River rafting
The Omo River is an immensely popular river in Southern Ethiopia and remains one of the wildest, one of the most remote, and one of the most scenic places on Earth. Having been explored by only few western visitors, the Omo offers the greatest in all aspects of adventure: challenging terrain, exotic wildlife, extraordinary culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Streaming through deep, forested gorges over the most isolated course in the world, tribal members said to have descended directly from the earliest homo sapiens to walk the planet – and still virtually unknown to the modern world – subsist off the river’s abundance of flora and fauna.

creature of all proportions wait within the corridor‘s shadows and pools, and some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet remain hidden within the gorge. The river drains into Lake Turkana near the Sudan border. The mystical Omo awaits those who desire for an adventure of classic proportion!

Whitewater Rafting in EthiopiaIn the same way, the river scores quite well among rafting enthusiasts as well. From challenging fast-moving water and superb terrains to striking wild lives and lush green forestry – the river has it all. A rafter gets to discover a lot, once he starts exploring the fascinating Omo River. The welcoming whitewaters of high-levels can offer the most spectacular view and off route, the most electrifying rafting adventures. However, none of the rapids are much threatening, thus providing blissful excitement all the way!

As you raft through the desolate lands, you are sure to enjoy every bit of the exciting trip. Along with the alluring whitewaters of the Omo River, a rafter is bound to get thrilled by the splendor of the breathtaking scenery. Streaming through the gorges, you can get a glimpse of the puzzling tribal culture along the riverside. It is even said that some of these desolate places by the riverside are still virtually unknown to the rest of the world.
White water rafting is generally done on the Blue Nile near Bahirdar (a few days), along the Omo River (the whole stretch can take up to a month) and on the Awash River (one or two days). Specialized expeditions have tackled other rivers, including the Tekezze and the Baro. Rafting can only be done at certain times of the year, after the rains, and needs to be set up well in advance.

Blue Nile White water Rafting
Blue Nile River rafting trips are also a delight especially for bird-watchers who will encounter many bird species. Blue Nile River trips range from gentle float trips to exciting and challenging whitewater adventures. Whether you are a first time rafter or extreme whitewater veteran looking for something new, you will find it all on Ethiopia’s Blue Nile. The relatively unexplored section of the Blue Nile River between Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls has everything from beautiful calm water floats to spectacular natural scenery.

Rock climbing

Cycling

Ethiopia: this is not just the mountainous highlands in northeastern Africa. Coptic churches, vibrant colourful villages, hospitable locals, delicious food, plus a very pleasant dry, mostly warm climate make this country a very exciting destination for cycling. As always, we travel in small groups of 8-16 participants with a guide on the bike plus the accompanying vehicle.

Bird Watching

Ethiopia is a vibrant & exciting bird-rich country that has become one of Africa`s leading birding destinations since in recent years. With 861 bird species, out of which 16 are endemic, Ethiopia is a must for every bird enthusiast. Many of the National Parks provide areas less affected by human activities where a broader range of bird species can usually be seen.

According to their habitat, the most recommended sites for bird-watching are – the highland plateau, the lakes region, and the lowlands.

Ethiopian highlands are called the land of endemism. Of the total endemic birds, over 60 percent of the species are found in the Bale Mountains National Park. Totally 161 bird species are recorded in this park.

Ethiopia’s lakes are famous for the sheer numbers of birds they harbor. Over 50 percent of all bird species have been recorded in the Rift Valley because of the proximity of numerous aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Lake Abijata is a feeding ground for numerous great white pelicans and greater and lesser flamingo as well as flocks of little grebes. An island in neighboring Lake Shalla is a regular breeding ground for great white pelicans and a nesting spot for the greater flamingo.

Bird Watching in EthiopiaLowlands too offer a great opportunity for bird-watchers.

The main reasons behind the distribution of birds in various localities are the feed, altitude, climate, and cover factors. Accordingly, birds of prey and other scavengers are in plenty. To list some of the birds: Lammergeyer or the bone breaker is quite common in the Semien Mountains. Shoebill or Whale headed stork is also common in Gambella and Ethio-Sudan border. Ethiopian Bush Crow is a localized endemic bird distributed throughout Borena area up to Murle. Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco too is considered as a localized bird found in Borena area alone.

The best season for bird-watching is from the beginning of September up to February. Between November and February, migrant birds raise the bird population and widen species diversity as well.

Our birding itineraries will guarantee a lot of endemic sightings, and of course wonderful scenery. These package will takes you to the popular bird sites of Ethiopia which includes Menagesha forest,sanettie plateau ,Yabello ,Debreziet ,awash national park, bale mountain national park , Nazareth ,Abijata-Shalla lakes national park, Awash national park, Wendogenet, Langano, Dinhso, Debrelibanos, Ankober , Sululta plain….and so forth.
But one can go bird watching anywhere in Ethiopia: on the Historic Route (Lake Tana provides excellent birding), or in Nechisar, Mago and Omo parks. Stone Age tour and travel will provide a trained ornithologist to accompany visitors on these tours, and can arrange short birding extensions around Addis Ababa.

In every corner of Ethiopia expect to see at least one or more Endemic birds of Ethiopia like (Harwood’s Francolin, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Degodi Lark, Sidamo Long-clawed Lark, White-tailed Swallow, Abyssinian Long-claw, Abyssinian Catbird, Ethiopian Bush Crow, Black-headed Siskin, White-throated Serin, Ankober Serin, Yellow-throated Serin, Salvador’s Serin…) come and visit the vivacious bird sites of Ethiopia.

Photo Tours

Expand your search. REMARKABLE ETHIOPIA TOURS. Addis Ababa. 52 reviews. Omo Valley Tours. Addis Ababa. Explore Omo Valley. Arba Minch. Omo Valley Experience Tours. Addis Ababa. See Us Arba Minch. Arba Minch. Harar Tour A Collection of Unique Moments. Harar. Gish - Abay Ethiopia Tours. Addis Ababa.

Caving

Volcano Climbing

Experience one of the geologically most active areas on the planet! The Danakil desert is famous for Erta Ale, one of the world´s few active volcanoes constantly hosting a boiling lava lake and the surreal landscapes of colors, salt, geysers andsprings at the hydrothermal fields of Dallol.

See the dramatic change of environment when the jeep expedition starts in Addis Ababa (at 2355 m), and gradually descents into the Danakil depression, passing through Awash National Park before reaching the banks of Afrera salt lake (at - 100 m). The journey continues as we climb Erta Ale shield volcano and spend 3 full days and nights exploring the volcano´s caldera. We then set up camp at the Afar village of Hamed Ela and have 2 full days to discover the hydrothermal area of Dallol and Assale salt lake, including the centuries-old ritual of salt cutting. Finally explore the UNESCO world heritage site of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela.

We have been organising tours to the Danakil since early 2007 and hence have expertise in arranging such expeditions. Our highly competent Ethiopian main guide and volcanologist Enku and his friendly team will safely take you through the desert in 4x4 jeeps. The sometimes Spartan character of living conditions in the Danakil are partially compensated by the large variety of meals freshly prepared by our cook!

Running

he competition was first envisioned by neighbors Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie, Peter Middlebrook and Abi Masefield in late October 2000, following Haile's return from the 2000 Summer Olympics. The 10,000 entries for the first edition quickly sold out and other people unofficially joined in the race without a number.[1] The creation of the race marked the first time that a major annual 10 km race had been held in the country, renowned for producing world class runners.[2] The day's events include an international and popular 10 km race and a 5 km women only race.[3]

Competitors at the 2011 Great Ethiopian Run.
The elite race attracts a number of prominent runners. Haile Gebrselassie won the inaugural men's race and at the second edition many of the countries top long-distance runners competed, with Gebre Gebremariam, Sileshi Sihine and Kenenisa Bekele comprising the top three in the men's race and Worknesh Kidane and Tirunesh Dibaba taking first and second in the women's race.[4][5] Although more established competitors do take part, the race is known for highlighting the best of Ethiopia's up-and-coming running talent – many of the race's podium finishers, little-known at the time, have gone on to achieve success on the global stage.

Swimming