Escape to Wolf Mountain

I had the privilege of visiting Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains National Park last May — and what a surprise. Not only is the park blessed with incredible and unusual wildlife, but the landscapes are like something from a different planet.

The Bale Mountains, which sprawl across more than 2,400 square kilometers, harbor a variety ecosystems including riparian plains, rare Juniper-Hagenia forest and even alpine moorlands. Snow is not unusual at higher elevations like 14,400-foot Tullu Dimtu, second highest peak in Ethiopia.

Mountain Nyala and Ethiopian wolves are among the parks endangered species. The mountains are also home to lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, African hunting dogs and other predators. Bale is also home to 16 endemic bird species. The park offers some of the country’s best trekking with a chance to see several endemic and common species at close range. 

Jacaranda Tours organizes bespoke guided adventures to the Bale Mountains and five other Ethiopian national parks.