Year of Establishment: 1970 G.C
Area: 2200 sq.km
Found: in Oromia region 400km away from Addis Ababa.
Key species: the park was originally established to protect Mountain
Nyala, and Ethiopian Wolf. There are 64 species of mammal in the
park, 11 of them endemic, including Menelik’s Bushbuck, bohor, reed
buck, grey dulker, worthhog, serval cat, colbus monkey, giant
molerat, African wild dog, bushpig, giant foreshog, lion, and Anubis
baboon. There are 220 bird species of Birds in Bale of which 16
endemic species, many of which are easily seen. These include
Wattled Ibis, Black-winged love bird, blue-winged goose, Rouget’s
rail, and thick billed raven.
Unique physical feature: Mount Batu, Harena forest and Sanate
Plateau (the largest Afro-alphine habitat in Africa)
General description: The Bale Mountains, with their vast moorlands
and virgin woodlands, pristine mountain streams and alpine climate
remain an untouched and beautiful world. Rising to a height of more
than 4,000 meters, the range borders Ethiopia's southern highlands,
whose highest peak, Mount Tullu Deemtu, stands at 4,377 meters.
Bale mountain national park was crucial to the survival of the mountain Nyala, Menelik's bushbuck and the Simien red fox. The fox is one of the most colorful members of the dog family and more abundant here than anywhere else in Ethiopia. All three endemic animals thrive in this environment, the Nyala in particular often being seen in large numbers.
Visitor facilities: Self-catering lodge and campsite at park headquarters, camping allowed in park while trekking. Hotels in nearby Goba & Robe, and there is also a Museum.