Ethiopia’s Bale and Simien Mountains in Style

Combine two of Ethiopia's most exciting national parks - Bale Mountains National Park and Simien Mountains National Park - experience the vibrant local culture and wildlife of each location while enjoying the spectacular views.

1. Fly to Addis Ababa

2. Days 1-2: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

   Arrive into Addis Ababa - Ethiopia's capital city, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

   Depending on the time of your international flight you will have the opportunity to discover a melting pot of cultures and religions from all over this region of Africa.

   Explore the main sights such as the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the main museums, but we love to go a little deeper than this and show you the Merkato - the main market, maybe stop for an Ethiopian coffee in Tomoca, or head to the Jazzamba Lounge in the evening to uncover the history behind Addis' music scene. You will have an amazing private guide and driver to ensure you have a fabulous time in Addis, it’s a great city just waiting to show itself off.

   Accommodation: Sheraton Addis (1 night)

3. Days 2-5: Drive to Bale Mountains National Park

   The next day your private driver will be waiting outside your hotel to take you on the 8-hour drive to Bale Mountains. You might be thinking that this is rather long, but the drive is absolutely worth the effort. Maybe stop to see the rock-hewn churches at Adadi Maryam or the ancient stelae at Tiya. Jaws will drop as you drive through the 'Dragons Pass', and the views all the way to Bale are thoroughly rewarding. As you approach the lodge, you might well catch sight of the Ethiopian Wolf, just a taster of the fantastic wildlife experience that is yet to come.

   Right around the lodge you can find an amazing mix of habitats that support an array of wildlife, such as Bale monkey, wolves, mountain nyala and Menelik's bushbuck to name but a few. Wander up to the Sanetti Plateau to see wolves, fantastic bird life and stunning views given its 4000m altitude. If you are feeling adventurous, why not include a day-trip to the Central Rift Valley (en route we promise you will taste the best local coffee combined with honey in the small town of Dolo Mena). It is worth stopping at the local camel market, and wander through the main market where you will likely be the only tourists. The other option is to head north and see the Sof Omar Caves, and onto the Islamic city of Harar.

   Accommodation: Bale Mountain Lodge (3 nights)

4. Days 5-8: Drive to Simien Mountains

   After all the fun and excitement of the Bale Mountains, you can hop on your private charter and fly to the town of Gondar. Explore the ancient castles such as the impressive Royal Enclosure, before driving up to the Simien Mountains. Admire the jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and endless views that go on for miles. If you can tear yourself away from the views, there are a range of day walks you can take into the Simiens to see the variety of wildlife on offer, from Gelada monkey, wolves, hyena and superb bird life. Visit the local villages where you can taste traditional Ethiopian cooking and meet the local community. For those who want to find their inner Mo Farah, you can head off on a run with the locals and see why they have won so many long-distance gold medals over the years. Or if you prefer, relax with a glass of wine by the fire-pit looking out at the views as the sun sets.

   Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge (3 nights)

5. Fly to Addis Ababa for your international flight

   Fly back to Addis and connect with your international flight or spend an additional night.

   This itinerary focuses on two amazing destinations in Ethiopia, and sometimes spending longer in one place will allow time for all the magic to unfold in front of you. We can of course tailor the itinerary to include other parts of Ethiopia depending on your specific interests.

Addis Ababa, Bale Mountain Lodge & Limalimo

Bale Mountain Lodge is located in Central Ethiopia to the south of Addis, and takes around 8 hours to reach. You then take a private charter to Gondar followed by a 1.5 hour drive to the Simien Mountains. Drive back to Gondar to take a scheduled flight with Ethiopian Airlines to Addis, or take another private charter.