The Bale Mountains, lying between 9,500 and 14,360 feet, contain the largest tract of high moorland in Africa. Virtually uninhabited, they are entirely unspoilt and were set aside as a National Park in order to protect the Mountain Nyala which is found nowhere else in the world. Of volcanic origin like the famous Simiens, the Bale Mountains may not be as spectacular, but they do possess an exceptional beauty and charm which can be likened to that of the Scottish Highlands. They are green and spacious, decorated with rocky peaks and crags, numerous small lakes, extensive heathland, magnificent cloud forests and bogs! Within the Park is Mount Batu, at 14,360 feet one of the highest mountains in Ethiopia.

The flora is fascinating, and so is the fauna. The beautiful Ethiopian Wolf roams the Park in small groups and is invariably seen, whilst Klippspringers, Abyssinian Hares, Warthogs, Rock Hyrax, the peculiar endemic Giant Mole-rat and the verminous but characterful Grass Rat may also be encountered. Amongst an interesting collection of upland birds we are likely to see at least eleven of Ethiopia's 24 endemics: Blue-winged Goose, Rouget's Rail, Spot-breasted Lapwing, White-collared Pigeon, Black-winged Lovebird, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Abyssinian Longclaw, Abyssinian Catbird, White-backed Tit, Black-headed Siskin and Thick-billed Raven!

As you start to climb up through the fine Hagenia forest, look out for Chestnutnaped Francolins on the road, and Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawks and Mountain Buzzards in the air. Then, ascending onto an open moorland plateau where little lakes, extensive grasslands, and the weird spikes of primeval-looking Giant Lobelias and Red-hot Pokers provide a wonderful Afro-alpine habitat, look for the wide range of raptors that hunt on the numerous Grass Rats and other small rodents in this area; wintering Spotted, Imperial and other Aquila eagles are amongst the birds of prey that you may see, and almost all of Ethiopia's vulture species regularly occur. Wattled Crane and Montane Francolin are two resident specialities, as are the endemic Rouget's Rail, Spot-breasted Lapwing and Blue-winged Goose which may all be found here. Around here you also have a good chance of spotting an Ethiopian Wolf or bizarre Giant Mole rat, two of Ethiopia's most special endemic mammals

Spend the morning on the Plateau, drive to the spectacular Harenna Escarpment where you will have your lunch picnic, some remarkable views, and an afternoon in which to descend the Escarpment and explore the fabulous forests it supports (provided that the weather is dry). This outstanding feature, on the southern side of the national park, presents a fascinating environment and, provided that the weather is clear, some quite amazing scenery. Serval, Red Duiker, and Giant Forest Hogs will be encountered in this wonderful forest, though your chance of seeing any of these rare mammals is somewhat remote. It will be more realistic to set your sights on such endemic birds as White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Catbird, Black-winged Lovebird, Golden-backed Woodpecker and Black-headed Siskin perhaps.