Bale Mountain Lodge: Your Gateway to the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia

Located in the Bale Mountains of south central Ethiopia, the Bale Mountain Lodge is a boutique wilderness getaway nestled in a beautiful afro-alpine moorland.

The Ethiopian Wolf is one of the many unique species found in Bale Mountains National Park.

This pristine wilderness incorporates the largest tract of Afro-alpine moorland remaining on the African continent, the majority being over 12,000 feet above sea level. Here at Black Tomato we’ve reached new heights of unforgettable hotels with Bale Mountain Lodge, an eight bedroom rustic retreat in a cloud forest 2380 meters above sea level.

The lodge sits within a cloud forest and is not far from the Rift Valley.

Accommodation at Bale Mountain Lodge

Accommodations at the lodge consist of eleven rooms.

Read also: Bale Mountains

  • Five of the rooms are wood and chukka constructed forest cottages on elevated wooden decks.
  • Three of the rooms are made from local stone.
  • For families or parties traveling together there is a three-bedroom house with its own log fire.
  • Within the main lodge itself are three rooms with disabled access.

Each room has a wood burning stove for warmth, comfortable double beds, locally crafted furniture, and a detached bathroom. There is even a private balcony to relax and enjoy the views.

The dining room at Bale Mountain Lodge offers magnificent views.

Inside the Main Lodge

The main lodge is nestled into the hillside and built from slate-grey colored stone to blend into the landscape. The thatched dining room boasts magnificent views of the mountain range. The lounge has a sunken fireplace for warming up during chilly evenings. There is a bar with a wood burning stove.

Wildlife and Activities

The lodge is located in the Bale Mountains National Park.

Sixty percent of the remaining Ethiopian Wolves, the world’s most rare canid, are found within the park. Other animals living here include the endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, various rodent species, numerous amphibians and reptiles, plus lions, rare giant forest hogs, and a large number of rare bird species.

Read also: Discover Bale Robe, Ethiopia

The area has been rated as one of the top five bird watching sites in Africa with such species as the wattled crane, Rouget’s rail, ruddy shelduck, black headed siskin, and blue winged goose.

A resident naturalist is on hand to provide advice and information and the lodge is an excellent place from which to explore the plateau, forest and valley from the comfort of a modern and welcoming lodge.

Available activities include:

  • Guided game drives within the Bale Mountains National Park.
  • Guided nature walks to take a closer look at the flora and fauna of the area.
  • Guided hike to a stunning waterfall for the more adventurous.
  • Day trips to the Sof Omar Caves, the largest limestone caves in Eastern Africa, and a significant religious site for the Islamic populations of this part of Ethiopia.
  • Going further afield, a forty-five minute drive goes into the Great Rift Valley with its camel markets.

You’ll be surrounded by nothing but the spectacular landscape of one of Ethiopia’s most remote and ecologically diverse national parks allowing you to get away from it all and relax in tranquility. You’ll take the scenic route from Addis Ababa to Bale National Park as you head towards your rural escape. Situated in the heart of this haven of biodiversity you’ll glimpse sightings of a whole host of endemic wildlife as you embark on Ethiopian-style safaris by car or even on horseback. Made with natural materials, the lodge blends in with the lush surroundings with all the cozy rooms boasting panoramic vistas of the rugged mountains. Bale Mountain Lodge is as close to the top of the world as you can get, well almost, and the stunning views you’re treated to will certainly make you feel that way.

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Important Information

Please note, that despite what you might read in other guides, the Dinsho Lodge at BMNP HQ at Dinsho is not open at present. It is, however, still possible to camp at the BMNP HQ at Dinsho. The Wabe Shebelle hotel in Goba is the best option if you have to stay in the Goba/Robe area. In the Katcha clearing of the Harenna forest is the Bale Mountain Lodge, undoubtedly the best accommodation in the Bale area.

Read also: Journey Through Bale

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tags: #Ethiopia