AUTHENTIC WILDERNESS LODGE
A true wilderness lodge with excellent eco-credentials, Bale Mountain Lodge welcomes intrepid travellers into a little-visited corner of Ethiopia.
Though deep within Bale Mountains National Park, some 250 miles southeast of Addis Ababa, the journey is well worth making. The lodge sits in a beautiful clearing in the largely unexplored Harenna cloud forest, surrounded by the continent’s largest tract of Afro-alpine moorland. It’s a place full of secret wildlife, some unknown to science.
The largest packs of rare Ethiopian wolves roam free here, along with lions, giant forest hogs, endemic Bale monkeys, bushbuck and an array of unusual birds. Marked tracks lead into the forest, each offering a different experience.
Fashioned from local stone and thatch, rooms are adorned with simple wooden furnishings and log burners for chillier mountain nights. In keeping with its eco-credentials, firewood is sourced from sustainable plantations, and energy generated from a nearby micro-hydro plant.
The main building nestles into the hillside to minimise its visual impact. Here you’ll find a cosy sunken fireplace and a dining area built in the traditional ‘tukul’ style. A sweep of windows maximises the views of the lovely surroundings.
BALE MOUNTAIN LODGE
Bale Mountain Lodge, at a glance
- Authentic wilderness lodge tucked away in the heart of Bale Mountains National Park
- Sweeping views of the natural clearing and mountains beyond
- Built from local slate to minimise environmental impact
- Choice of just 11 boutique-style rooms with thatched roofs and viewing decks
- Quaint, wood-burning stoves in each room
- Hand-crafted furniture using sustainable local wood
- Tukul-style thatched dining room serving local specialities and international cuisine
- Superb eco-credentials, including minimising non-biodegradable waste, sourcing sustainable firewood and generating power from a micro-hydro plant
For leisure and pleasure
- Forest expeditions to see primates, including the endemic Bale monkeys with their distinctive grey beards
- Bird watching for many unique and indigenous species
- Nature trails weaving through the forest
- Unique flora and fauna that includes big cats
- Trips to Sanetti Plateau to see rare Ethiopian wolves
- Central African Rift Valley is easily accessible
- Day trips to Sof Omar caves, Dolo Mena and Negele
- Fly fishing in the Web, Shire and Tegona rivers
Planning my first solo trip felt like a big step, but The Ultimate Travel Company made it easy from the outset. I reached out over a year in advance, and Rob Kent quickly put together a thoughtful itinerary based on exactly what I was looking for, securing great flights and always being available to talk things through. Everything ran smoothly and I felt looked after every step of the way. The accommodation in Japan, Fiji and Tahiti was excellent and the experiences unforgettable.
A hugely enjoyable nine-day trip, expertly organised from start to finish. The itinerary covered everything we wanted to see and do, with excellent guides, drivers and seamless logistics throughout. The documentation was clear and helpful, and the London office was consistently responsive, knowledgeable and efficient.
We had a wonderful safari experience in South Luangwa, Zambia this September. Despite a few unexpected setbacks behind the scenes, everything ran seamlessly for us. Our driver and guide were outstanding, and the standard of accommodation was truly first class.
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