Bale Mountains
National Park
For
tour information Click here
Specially for the
more adventurous visitors of our beautiful country, Dinknesh provides tailor
made tours to the undiscovered, unbelievable breathtaking Bale Mountains
National Park
Bale Mountains National Park is an area of high altitude plateau that is broken
by numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and
rushing mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on their way to the
lowlands below. As you ascend into the mountains you will experience changes in
the vegetation with altitude, from juniper forests to heather moorlands and
alpine meadows, which at various times of year exhibit an abundance of colourful
wildflowers.
Bale Mountains National Park is the largest area of Afro-Alpine habitat in the
whole of the continent. It gives the visitor opportunities for unsurpassed
mountain walking, horse trekking, scenic driving and the chances to view many of
Ethiopia's endemic mammals, in particular the Mountain Nyala and Semien Fox, and
birds, such as the Thick-billed Raven, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, and
Rouget's Rail. (see our nature photo album)
Topography
The Bale Mountains rise from the extensive surrounding farmlands at 2,500 m
above sea level to the west, north and east. The National Park area is divided
into two major parts by the spectacular Harenna escarpment that runs from east
to west.
North of this escarpment is a high altitude plateau area at 4,000 m altitude.
The plateau is formed of ancient volcanic rocks (trachytes, basalts,
agglomerates and tuffs) dissected by many Rivers and streams that have cut deep
gorges into the edges over the centuries. In some places this has resulted in
scenic waterfalls. From the plateau rise several mountain massifs of rounded and
craggy peaks, including Tullu Deemtu the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia at
4,377 m above sea level. (Ras Dashen, near the Simien Mountains National Park in
the north is the highest - 4,543 m). A major part of the central peaks area is
covered by a capping of more recent lava flows, still mainly unvegetated, and
forming spectacular rock ripples and pillars. Many shallow depressions on the
plateau are filled with water in the wet season, forming small lakes that mirror
the surrounding scenery. Larger lakes such as Garba Guracha ("black
water"), Hora Bachay and Hala Weoz, contain water all year round. These
many lakes provide habitat for water birds, especially migrating ducks from
Europe during the northern winter.
Vegetation
The high rainfall in the Bale Mountains, together with the great variation in
altitude and topography, result in rich diversity in the vegetation. Changes in
the vegetation with altitude are clearly seen, this zonation being a result of
increasing then decreasing rainfall as you ascend, generally decreasing
temperatures, and increased exposure of rock and resulting poorer soils.
The mountains are surrounded to the northwest and northeast by fertile plains at
2,500 m that are heavily utilized for agriculture mainly wheat growing. This is
succeeded by remnants of beautiful juniper and Kosso (Hagenia abyssinica) forest
-a belt that reaches up to about 3,300 m altitude, which is the upper limit of
the tree zone, apart from a few isolated trees in protected valleys. Above the
tree line the heather moorlands begin, reaching to about 3,600 m altitudes on
gently sloping ground, and as high as 3,800 m on steep rocky slopes. Above this
are various forms of Afro-Alpine moorland, dominated by different plants
depending on slope, drainage and rodent activity. The tops of most of the high
peaks are either bare rocks, or exposed soil with very small hardy tussock herbs
or grasses. To the south, the land falls away far more, through rich and varied
forest below the heather, containing bamboo and giant Podocarpus trees, and
finally giving way to dry short-tree wooded grasslands at 1,600 m on the
southern boundary of the Park.
The northern forests are open with little under-growth, and while dominated by
Juniper and Hagenia trees, also contain St John's Wort and bushes (Hypericum spp.)
with large golden-yellow flowers, Schefflera abyssinica and Rappanea simensis
trees amongst others. The grassy forest floor makes for easy walking and viewing
of animals; the wonderful fruity smell of fallen Hagenia leaves rising from your
path. This large tree of the rose family, has separate male and female trees;
the female flowers contain anthelmintic, and are widely used in a decoction
against the tapeworm. Another member of the rose family - Rosa abyssinica is
found here, with its beautiful white flowers and delicate scent, the only
indigenous African rose.
The southern forests, in contrast, are much denser with a greater variety of
tree, shrub and herb species. Juniper is not found on the south side, but the
other species are. The trees are covered in epiphytes and creepers, and in many
cases rise to over thirty metres in height. Higher reaches of the forests, near
Katcha at 2,600 m, are interspersed with bamboo groves, and many wildflowers
beside the small rushing torrents. Early in the wet season, dense thickets of
edible Rubus steudneri in the blackberry family are in flower and fruit.
Streamside beds of the white-flowered Crinum ornatum with their heavy sweet
scent also bloom at this time. Occasional grassy glades occur mainly where
drainage is poor and small swamps form along River and stream courses.
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Wildlife
The
mountains are most famous as home and refuge of the endemic Mountain Nyala and
Semien Fox. Both these mammals occur in reasonable numbers, and visits to the
Gaysay area, and the Sanetti plateau will ensure you see both. The Mountain
Nyala is a large antelope in the spiral-horned antelope family. Males are a dark
brown colour with a pair of gently spiraled horns with white tips. They bear
handsome white markings on the face, neck and legs, together with usually at
least one stripe and some white spots on each side. The hornless females are a
lighter brown colour, and typically have the same white markings as the males,
though less often have stripes, but normally have spots on the sides. Males can
weigh as much as 280 kilos, stand one and a half metres at the shoulder, and
have a mane of long erectile hairs along the spine. Females weigh less and have
no mane.
Younger animals are lighter in colour, and young males bear tiny spike horns
from about five months of age, that go through various shapes as they develop.
Both sexes have enormous ears. Mountain Nyala are especially numerous in the
Gaysay area, and occur in small scattered groups else where in the Park at all
altitudes. They are mainly browsers - feeding on bushes and herbs, but also eat
grass. Groups vary in size -from lone adult males, or a female with her
offspring from the last two years, to aggregations of over seventy animals.
Males may be seen to make strange slow, strutting displays at each other, or to
dig the earth with their horns and twist branches between them. Mountain Nyala
only occur in Ethiopia, and only in the high mountains east of the Rift Valley,
between Harar in the North, Arsi, and Bale in the South.
Semien Fox
The
Semien Fox -despite its name, is more common here in Bale than it is in Semyen.
It is found nowhere in between these two isolated mountain areas, and nowhere
else in the world. The animal is the size and colour of a European Red Fox, but
with long legs, longer muzzle, and a striking black and white tail. The male and
female are similar in appearance. Semien Fox feed on rodents, and as a result
are mainly found at the higher altitudes where rodents abound. The Sanetti
Plateau is an especially good area to see them, but they do occur in higher
parts of the mountains, as well as down at Gaysay on rare occasions. They are
usually seen hunting alone, but can be seen in pairs, and after the breeding
season as many as eight adults and cubs have been seen together. The Semien Fox
hunts their prey by standing still over the rodent holes, patiently listening,
turning their head and ears from side to side, and suddenly pouncing when a rat
emerges. They will also dig to reach rats on occasions. They give a high yelping
bark. To keep contact with other foxes, and when apprehensive about anything
such as your close proximity. They are well camouflaged amongst the lichen -
covered rocks of the plateau and can be very hard to see, despite their striking
orange-red colour.
There are more than twenty other small to large-sized mammals to be seen in the
Park. Some are sighted only rarely or are known by the evidence they leave -such
as droppings and footprints. Menelik's Bushbuck is a form, or subspecies, of the
one commonly found over most of Africa. It is very different however, in that
the adult male is a jet-black color, and both sexes are long-haired. Bushbuck
are the smallest of the Mountain Nyala family that also includes the Greater and
Lesser Kudu, Eland, Bongo and Sitatunga. Like these other animals, the bushbuck
has spirally twisted horns and spots and stripes on the coat. However, the horns
-found in the male only - are relatively short. They are relatively easy to see
at Dinsho and Gaysay, and are especially plentiful in the forest and heather of
the Adelay ridge. They are not found on the high plateau however which is
largely devoid of vegetation cover, and have rarely been sighted at altitudes
over 3,400 m.
After the Mountain Nyala, the next most common antelope is the Bohor Reedbuck.
These medium-sized straw-coloured antelope are found in large numbers in the
flat grasslands and swamps round Gaysay mountain. Males are easily recognized
from their forward-pointing hooked horns. Reedbuck are almost only found in the
Gaysay and Adelay grasslands, there being no suitable long-grass areas higher in
the mountains. Grey Duiker are the smallest antelope in the Park. They occur at
Gaysay and in the valleys with sufficient vegetation cover up to about 3,700 m
altitude. They are usually seen alone, diving into cover. Only the males have
the short straight horns.
Klipspringer are only found where there is suitable rocky habitat, mainly at
higher elevations, though a few are found on the very top of Gaysay mountain.
They are especially common in the Lava Flows area. Their unusual spiky fur and
square hooves are adaptations to their agile existence amongst the rocks and
cliffs. They probably derive their Amharic name of "Saas" from their
strange sneezing alarm call. Warthog are reasonably common in the Gaysay
grasslands and forest patches and on Adelay ridge. Groups with large numbers of
piglets are frequently seen in the dry and early wet seasons. Warthog are not
found at higher altitudes in the mountains. Bushpig and Giant Forest Hog occur
in the southern Harenna forest area, but are rarely seen.
The Rock Hyrax are found in the same cliff and rocky habitat as the Klipspringer
in large numbers at all altitudes. These small dark-coloured and tailless
relatives of the elephant are very numerous in some localities. They are
extremely agile in leaping up and down rock crevices and their shrill calls echo
from the cliffs in the evenings and early mornings.
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Rodents
Rats, mice, etc, are not usually considered "wildlife" by most
visitors! However, in the Bale Mountains they are an extremely important part of
the ecosystem. This is because of the role that several species play in
modifying the soil and vegetation at the higher altitudes, and as the Semien
Fox's source of food. Most parts of the Sanetti Plateau look as though they have
been ploughed recently all the soil freshly turned and exposed, and tunnelled
with numerous holes. This is entirely the work of the hordes of rodents, several
species of which are endemic to the Bale Mountains, or the high mountain areas
of Ethiopia. Their squeaks are heard easily as you pass through the area, and
numbers of them can be seen on sunny days rushing for their holes as you
approach. Of special interest is the Giant Molerat, a large species that feeds
above ground in the daylight and makes large craterlike depressions. It only
partly emerges from these holes as it feeds the edges. Later it blocks the
entrance with soil and vegetation, and then digs to a new crater nearby to feed
there. These large numbers of rodents support not only the healthy Semien Fox
population in the high plateau area, but also numerous birds of prey, especially
European migrants in the dry season, that pass the European winter in the Bale
Mountains.
Monkeys
Only
three primate species have been found in the Bale Mountains National Park so
far. The Guereza, or black and white Colobus Monkey, is common wherever there is
suitable forest habitat. Several troops are on the flanks of Gaysay Mountain and
the Adelay ridge, and they are very common in the Harenna forest area. They are
not found in the high mountain area however, since this is above the forest
zone. The Olive Baboon is also found in large numbers in the Harenna forest, and
troops also occur on Gaysay and Adelay. Surprisingly one troop exists in the
high mountain area in the Lava Flows at over 3,700 m altitude. The small Grivet
Monkey is found only in the Harenna forest at altitudes lower than 3,000 m. They
are sometimes seen from the Goba to Dolo Mena road as you drive through.
Carnivores
There are several other carnivores you are likely to see apart from the Semien
Fox in the Bale Mountains National Park.
The Gaysay grasslands and Dinsho Hill are good places to see the beautiful
Serval Cat. These small, spotted, long-Iegged and short-tailed cats hunt alone
in long grass, depending on rats and small birds as food. Also at Gaysay you
often see the long, lithe shape of the Egyptian mongoose. They occur in small
family parties of up to four or five animals, and like to use the vehicle tracks
as pathways. A close relative -the White-tailed Mongoose -is nocturnal and may
appear in your car headlights when driving at night.
Spotted Hyena are found at all altitudes in the Park, but in low numbers, and
are rarely seen by day except in the early morning. Their calls punctuate the
night near most villages.
The Golden Jackal however though usually nocturnal, has often been seen by day
in the Gaysay and Dinsho areas. Other carnivores that are rarely seen but are
known to exist in the area are Leopard, Lion, Civet and the little striped
Zorilla.
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Birdlife
The
Bale Mountains possess many habitats rich in birds, particularly the Harenna
Forest which has been little studied. More than one hundred and sixty species of
birds are known from the Park area, but their number is certain to be added to
considerably in the future. Since the Bale Mountains are isolated from other
similar habitats in Africa by low and dry areas, many endemic species are found.
At least twenty-three species of birds are known to be endemic to Ethiopia. No
less than fourteen of these species are known to occur in the Bale Mountains
National Park area, and several are easily seen every day.
Amongst the endemics, the more commonly seen only are mentioned here. The
Blue-winged Goose and Rouget's Rail are found near any water be it stream or
high mountain lake, at all altitudes. The noisy Wattled Ibis occurs in most
muddy places busily probing for food with its long curved bill. Large numbers
roost on high, cliffs in the mountains every night. The beautiful Spot-breasted
Plover is found in large numbers in the wet season on the Sanetti Plateau, and
large flocks of the White-collared Pigeon feed on the ground here at the same
period. The weird-Iooking Thick-billed Raven is a denizen of most villages, and
usually finds your camp at any altitude. The colourful little green and red
Black-winged Love-birds are seen in large numbers in the forest areas, while the
larger Yellow-fronted Parrot is less often seen in the same habitat. The
strident ringing calls of the shy Abyssinian Catbird betray its presence in
forest. Close observation in the Gaysay grasslands and beside the main road will
reveal the Abyssinian Long claw -a drab little bird, but with a smart yellow
bib. The high plateau is characterized by large flocks of the little black and
yellow Black-headed Siskin.
The Bale Mountains, rich in streams and little Alpine lakes, provide food and
security for unusual water birds such as the Ruddy Shelduck and the tall elegant
Wattled Crane. Many European ducks and waders pass the dry season in the
mountains, before returning to Europe, as do several birds of prey such as the
Steppe Eagle and Kestrel. Probably the most common and friendly bird at all
altitudes is the little drab but cheery Mountain Chat - puffed up like a round
feathered ball in the icy dawn, hopping from tussock to tussock as he
investigates you. One of the largest and most spectacular birds is the
Lammergeier also called the Bearded Vulture or Bone-breaker. This enormous bird
with its over-two-metre wingspan is often seen soaring alone over suitably high
cliffs and rock outcrops, while splintered bone fragments, even on the top of
Tullu Deemtu and Mt. Batu tell of its presence. Wherever you go in Bale there
are birds to watch, and generally unusual ones to add considerably to your
experience of this wonderful area.
Park Attraction
Driving Hiking or mountain biking The Park is mainly a walking area since it is a mountainous and fragile
environment. There are few roads, and these require four-wheel-drive vehicles
and or mountain bikes.
Gaysay
This area derives its name from the little Gaysay River that flows into the Web
near Dinsho. It consists of Boditi peak at the southern end of the Lajo Spur,
and the flatlands each side of the Gaysay River at the mountain's base. The main
road crosses part of the Gaysay area, just before reaching Dinsho. The entrance
gate lies beside (north of) the main road seven kilometers before the village,
coming from Shashamenne. A small track from the gate leads you across the Gaysay
River and then divides at the base of the mountain. The eastern arm affords good
views of the plains west of the Web River and goes for four kilometres to the
northern boundary fence at the small Albabo stream. Colobus monkey are often
seen in the Hagenia forest before the first stream crossing. There is a small
photographic hide that is ten minutes walk up the first stream through lovely
Hagenia trees. The left fork of the track goes for three kilometres to the
northern boundary fence around the west flank of Boditi. There are good views of
the Gaysay valley and its associated marshes brimming with reedbuck. Fine views
can be had to the north of the Gaysay valley and Lajo Spur.
The Gaysay area guarantees every visitor views of the endemic Mountain Nyala in
considerable numbers. As many as 400 have been seen here in a single afternoon.
In addition there are numerous Grey Duiker, Warthog and the Menelik's race of
Bushbuck with beautiful jet-black males.
Colobus and Baboon are sometimes seen here and the beautiful Serval Cat is often
surprised hunting in the long grass. On very rare occasions Leopard are sighted,
and sometimes a pair of the endemic Semien Fox. Birds abound, especially in the
forested parts, and are usually heard if not seen.
Gaysay provides a good morning's or afternoon's wildlife watching and should on
no account be missed by any visitor to the Bale Mountains.
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Sanetti Plateau
The spectacular road from Goba south to Dolo-Mena crosses the eastern part of
the Bale Mountains National Park and the Sanetti Plateau. This, the highest
all-weather road in Africa, crosses the 4,000 m contour, and some of the
loveliest mountain scenery in Africa that can be viewed from the comfort of your
vehicle.
The road climbs up from Goba through beautiful Juniper and Hagenia forest. The
road is lined with the orange-blossomed Leonotis, and in the wet season the
"Red Hot Poker" (Kniphofia} is blooming beneath the trees and
attracting the brilliant iridescent Tacazze and Malachite Sunbirds. This forest
gives way to giant St John's Wort (Hypericum revolutum} woods at 3,300 m
altitude. This narrow zone is soon succeeded by heather (Erica} moorlands at
3,400 m and you are out of the forest and into the open in the mountains proper.
Vistas open to the strange pinnacles of Chorchora peak on the left -one of the
Park boundary markers, and across the sheer-sided Tegona River gorge to the
right.
Another steep zigzag climb across slopes covered in heather bushes and
Alchemilla johnstoni scrub, and you enter the Plateau proper, through the
portals of the weird five-metre tall flower columns of giant Lobelia
rynchopetalum plants. Here the plateau is studded with numerous shallow alpine
lakes, with views to the steep-sided volcanic plug of Konteh Tullu in the south,
and the long craggy ridges of Mt. Batu (4,203 m) in the west.
The road continues climbing gently, part Crane lakes at the base of Konteh. This
is the centre of the best area for seeing Semien Fox, and on rare occasions
small groups of Mountain Nyala. Here, you are at over 4,000 m above sea level,
and in pure, clear cool mountain air with views in all directions on a clear
day. These views are heightened by the steep climb to the top of Konteh (4,132
m), or the longer (one and a half hour) climb to the top of domed Tullu Deemtu
(the "red mountain" in Oromo) to the west of the road soon after. This
is the second highest mountain in Ethiopia at 4,377 m above sea level.
The road then skirts the base of Tullu Deemtu, and continues south to the edge
of the Harenna escarpment, forty kilometres from Goba. Here, on a clear day, the
view is open right out over the southern lowlands. The road descends the
escarpment through a series of spectacular hairpin bends. The initial heather
scrub gives way after a few kilometres to Hagenia, heather and St John's Wort
forest, and later merges into lush Podocarpus forest; enormous trees covered in
epiphytes mosses, ferns and "Old Man's Beard" lichens. This continues
down the small escarpment of Rira, where looking back you see the tall rock
towers of Gujurule, their tops often shrouded in cloud and mist. Round their
base is glorious mixed forest with bamboo and many clear sparkling streams that
are the source of the Shawe River. Later the road crosses the main Shawe River,
passing through tall mature Podo forest with its towering trees, until it
suddenly ends almost 100 kilometres from Goba.
The Park boundary is shortly before this as you cross the Shisha -a small
tributary of the Yadot River. The forest gives way abruptly to dry, lowland
wooded grasslands at about 1,600 m altitude, and about ten kilometres later the
little village of Dolo-Mena is reached. Here on a market day you will be treated
to the surprising sight of camels, so soon after leaving the Alpine conditions
of over 4,000 m altitude.
Dolo-Mena
The village is 110 kilometres from Goba, but a reasonable undertaking for a
day's drive is from Goba to the southern edge of the plateau, with maybe a
descent of the escarpment into the forest below, followed by the return to Goba.
A good campsite exists at Katcha, after Rira on the left of the road, along a
track to a road quarry. This is a good base for walking in the bamboo forest,
and, for the more energetic, exploring the Gujurule volcanic plugs.
Simbirro Track
This is a rough (four-wheel-drive only) eleven kilometers track leading from the
Park Headquarters compound, south into the Park area. This track crosses the
interesting natural bridge over the Danka River where hyrax can be seen. It then
runs beneath cliffs through heather to the edge of the gorge of the Web River.
It ends in a broad flat valley, from where it is an easy forty minute walk to
the beautiful Finch'Abera waterfall, where the Web and Wolla Rivers join. If you
are lucky you may see Semien Fox in the area at the end of the track.
Arrangements can be made to meet your horses at this point for more ambitious
treks into the main peak area of the Park.
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Walking
Bale Mountains National Park is essentially a walking area. Mountain bike or Horse treks of
several days duration into the main peak area with pack and riding horses or
bikes and
accompanied by a guide, can be arranged through Dinknesh or the Park authorities in Dinsho.
In addition, shorter walks or treks can be accomplished in the Dinsho area, or from
anywhere along the roads and tracks mentioned above.
At Dinsho Headquarters a one kilometre Nature Trail has been designed up Dinsho
Hill. This gives a brief introduction to the plants and animals of the area, and
the location of the main Park. There is the added opportunity of seeing Mountain
Nyala at close quarters on foot, in the Sanctuary afforded by the fence around
the compound. From the top of the hill (3,240 m) good views on a clear day in
all directions help in understanding the layout of the Park.
Walking on Gaysay hill is rewarding in terms of the views and the chances of
seeing wildlife at close quarters. The physically fit will find the steep climb
to the Boditi summit (3,520 m) worthwhile for a spectacular view of the Gaysay
River flats and south into the main Park area.
A very enjoyable day-Iong walk can be had from Dinsho, up the Web valley to
Gasuray peak (3,325 m). The steep Climb to the summit is through beautiful
mature Hagenia and juniper forest, and into heather at the top. A traverse of
the uplands to the north along the connecting spur to the Adelay ridge leads you
through beautiful heather and grass glades with the strange grey tussocks of
Helichrysum citrispinum -one of the "everlasting flowers". Mountain
nyala, Klipspringer. Menelik's Bushbuck and Warthog are commonly encountered
here. A steep descent off the northeast corner of Adelay brings you back down to
the main road and Dinsho village.
The Sanetti Plateau is crowned by several peaks that add a good walk to the
drive over it. Konteh Tullu - the striking volcanic plug east of the road on the
plateau, may look formidable, but twenty minutes of steep scrambling from its
base gives you magnificent views from the top (4, 132 m) in all directions.
Tullu Deemtu is the second highest mountain in Ethiopia at 4,377 m, and the
highest point in the Bale Mountains. Starting from the main road at its base it
takes one and a half to two hours to climb the slopes and reach the summit - a
rounded ridge hidden from the aspect of your starting point. Hares and rodents
abound up here, despite the sparse vegetation cover. Mountain Nyala are often
seen below the summit to the south where there is a small water seepage point
and grove of Giant Lobelia plants. Wide views can be had all around, but
especially to the main plateau with its lakes and lava flows to the west, and to
Mt. Batu a short distance north.
Mount Batu
Is a longer walking prospect, but can be done in a long day from the plateau
road. The mountain is a long horseshoe-shaped ridge at the head of the great
Shiya and Tegona River gorges. It is very craggy and more rugged than Tullu
Deemtu in appearance, and seemingly more mountainous, for all that it is a few
metres lower. Leopard has been sighted near the top, as have Klipspringer and
Mountain Nyala, while montane birds such as the chough and lammergeier soar
effortlessly over as you climb up the mountain's flanks. It is strongly
recommended that a guide be taken for the climb up Mt. Batu.
Horse trekking
Short riding trips can be arranged in the Dinsho area, but it is far more
worthwhile to set aside at least four full days to enjoy a horse trip to the
full. Arrangements are best made beforehand by letter or phone, but horses can
be organized for a morning departure if requested the afternoon before. Various
routes can be followed, and it is best to take the advice of your local guide
from Dinsho.
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Other Attractions
Sof Omar Caves
The fantastic limestone caves of Sof Omar make a day's outing from Dinsho, Robe
or Goba. The road leaves Robe town, crossing the farming areas to the east,
before descending into the lowlands. Here the vegetation is very different being
dry lowland with wooded grasslands. The caves lie at 1,300 m above sea level.
This is in marked contrast to what you will experience in the Bale Mountains at
up to 4,000 m. Very different animals occur along the way as well, most
noticeably the Greater and Lesser Kudu - both relatives of the Mountain Nyala,
and the tiny dik dik antelope. The caves themselves carry the whole flow of the
Web River that rises in the Bale Mountains, underground through wonderfully
carved caverns for a distance of one and a half kilometres. There are over
fifteen kilometres of associated passages, which require skill, time and special
equipment for a full exploration. However, a friendly local guide will show you
enough to take your breath away and make the trip worthwhile, for an hour or for
as long as you care to spend. A cool dip in the clear River afterwards refreshes
you for the return drive. Full details of the caves are provided in the booklet,
"The Caves of Sof Omar" obtainable from the Ethiopian Tourism
Commission.
Fishing
Nine Rivers and streams between Adaba and Goba were stocked with trout in the
early 1970' s. These have thrived and are now available for sport fishing.
Information, guides and permits can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture
offices in Adaba, Dinsho and Goba.Brown Trout can be fished on a short stretch
of the Web River near Dinsho, while all the other Rivers are stocked with
Rainbow. Anglers have to provide all their own equipment. Fishing conditions are
varied - cascading waterfalls, deep still pools, or the tiny narrow and clear
Danka stream. Good exercise, beautiful scenery, peaceful surroundings, are all
combined in the one activity.
Access
Dinsho -the Park Headquarters, Robe and Goba can all be reached in a long day's
drive from Addis Ababa. There are two routes -either along the Rift Valley south
to Shashamenne, or through Asella. The route via Shashamenne has more tarmac,
and provides the added attractions of the Rift Valley Lakes National Park -
Abiatta and Shala lakes, and the Senkelle Swayne's Hartebeest Sanctuary, as well
as the opportunity for an overnight stop at Lake Langano Resort.
From Shashamenne you take the road east onto the wheat-growing plateau, before
climbing up into the mountains from Adaba through the beautiful Zuten Melka
Gorge.
The Asella route takes you south from Nazaret across the Awash River and along
the eastern wall of the Rift Valley, below the Arsi Mountains, which are to the
east. Once over the pass between Mts. Kakka and Nkolo, you descend to cross the
Wabe Shebele River, before reaching Dodola and joining the route into the
mountains from Shashamenne.
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Equipments and literature
Warm clothing is a must at any time of the year, and waterproof clothing
essential between March and November, and advisable at all times. Visitors who
are intending to do some walking will need sturdy shoes or boots. It must be
remembered that the sun at high altitudes burns the skin easily. Hats, dark
glasses and sunscreen lotions are therefore strongly recommended. Those visitors
spending nights on the trail need warm sleeping bags and light tents and camping
equipment. These can be provided by Dinknesh for those trips arranged through them.
Useful companions on a trip to the Bale Mountains National Park are
"Endemic Mammals of Ethiopia", "Ethiopia's Endemic Birds"
and the "Caves of Sof Omar" which are all published by ETC and
available from bookshops in Addis. Also very useful is "Some Wild
Flowering Plants of Ethiopia" by Sue Edwards.
Permits
Travel permits must be obtained in Addis Ababa. They are currently $8 for 48
hours. These are arranged by Dinknesh for their clients, but otherwise must be
obtained by individuals themselves. Daily tickets for the Park are obtained and
paid for at the Park Headquarters in Dinsho. Fishermen will also need a fishing
permit, which is obtained from the Fisheries Department in Addis Ababa, or from
Ministry of Agriculture offices in Addis Ababa, Dinsho or Goba.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not yet available in the Park area. but Dinknesh tours organize
camping tours to this area The new Ras Hotel at Goba
provides good accommodation fifty kilometres from Park Headquarters at Dinsho,
and is at the base of the road leading to the Sanetti plateau and the east and
Southern parts of the Park. The Bekelle Mola Hotel at Robe, (15 km north of Goba)
provides motel type accommodation, forty kilometres from Dinsho on the way to
Goba. Under certain circumstances camping may be allowed at the Park
Headquarters. Obviously camping is allowed in the main part of the Park when
visitors are horse trekking.
Best time to visit
The climate of the Bale Mountains, as is to be expected in a high altitude
mountainous region, is characterized by a high rainfall and periods of damp
cloudy weather, interspersed with periods of sparkling sunny weather with
brilliant blue skies.
The climatic year can be roughly divided into three seasons -the dry, early wet
and wet seasons. The dry season is usually from November to February. Very
little rain is experienced and temperatures on the clear sunny days may rise to
as high as nearly 30° centigrade. Nights are star-filled, clear and cold,
usually with heavy ground frosts. Temperatures may fall between minus 6° and
minus 15° centigrade in the main peak area of the Park. This is the best
period to visit the National Park, especially for walking and horse trekking in
the high mountain area. The vegetation can get very dry in the dry season, and
fires must then be very carefully tended.
The early wet season lasts from March to June, and about two-thirds as much rain
falls in this period, as in the wet season from July to October. Throughout
these eight months, days are generally cooler and nights warmer than in the dry
season. Despite the wetter weather, the area can still be enjoyed with adequate
warm and weatherproof clothing. Bright sunny periods may be experienced at any
time. Snow has been recorded, but does not lie around for very long.
South of the Harenna escarpment, the land falls precipitously to a large area of
dense Podocarpus forest, that slopes gradually down to an altitude of 1 500 m at
the southern Park boundary. A few kilometres further on the land
changes.abruptly to open wooded grasslands, with higher temperatures and the
surprising sight of camels in the area of Dolo-Mena.
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