Bale Mountains National Park

The newest UNESCO World Heritage site in Ethiopia, the Bale Mountains National Park is located in the southeastern part of Ethiopia and is a remarkable and diverse protected area. The BMNP spanning an area of approximately 2,100 km², the park is widely known for its rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, and significant cultural heritage. Within a range extended at an altitude of 1500 to 4377 m a.s.l the Bale Mountains National Park is endowed with tracts of mountain grassland, forest, and Afro-alpine moorland. The park is known for its diversified wildlife resources and affluent endemic birds and mammals. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region including the Ethiopian wolf, Mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, Bale monkey, and Giant mole rat, and various bird species, such as wattled cranes and Rouget’s rail. The Sanetti Plateau, one of the highest continuous areas of Afro-alpine habitat in the world, is a particularly unique and visually striking part of the park. In addition to its ecological value, the park also has cultural significance to local communities, who have lived in harmony with the natural environment for generations. Their traditional practices and knowledge are closely tied to the park’s unique landscapes and biodiversity.

Access and Accommodation

The BMNP is located 400 km southeast of Addis Ababa. The park is accessible by road and air transport. Ethiopian Airlines usually flies to Robe town three times a week. The road via Shashemene or Arsi Bekoji takes 5 hr to reach the park headquarters at Dinsho town. Different preferences and budgets can be catered to within the park through the provision of various levels of accommodations and camping facilities. At present, Bale and Dinsho lodges are the available accommodation options within the BMNP. Moreover, the park offers basic camping facilities at its outposts.

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