Where to see the Ethiopian Wolf

No list of things to do in Ethiopia can fail to acknowledge the country’s bounteous wildlife, including opportunities to get ‘up close and personal’ with endangered species.

A visit to the Sanetti Plateau in the Bale Mountains National Park provides the best chance of seeing an Ethiopian wolf, whose numbers have dwindled to around 500 in the wild. The area is also home to equally endanger black-maned lions, Honey Badgers, and various species of monkeys. Keep your eyes out for Bleeding Heart Monkeys (the gelada baboon).

Exploring the Bale Mountains involves a 200-mile drive from the country’s capital, Addis Ababa. To say it’s worth it is a vast understatement. The journey sweeps you past the lakes of the Rift Valley, authentic African villages buzzing with Tuk-Tuks and lush bamboo forests.

As their name suggests, Ethiopian wolves are endemic to Ethiopia, where they are restricted to just seven isolated enclaves in the country’s highlands. The largest population can be found in the Bale Mountains in southern Ethiopia with 120 to 160 individuals.

Best time to see the Ethiopian Wolf in Bale Mountains National park

The Bale Mountains are best visited from November to March when the days are generally clear, warm, and dry – but beware as nights are often below freezing. Temperatures during this time can drop to as low as -15oC at night (but typically drop to around -5oC) and rise to as high as 25oC during the day (but only when the wind calms down). At this time of year, trekking conditions are more pleasant and the breath-taking views of the Harenna forest escarpment from the Afroalpine plateau are clear and vast.

Where to stay at Bale Mountains National park

The Bale Mountain Lodge

In the Katcha clearing of the Harenna forest is the Bale Mountain Lodge, undoubtedly the best accommodation in the Bale area. The lodge has 11 double rooms and offers activities in and around the clearing related to the forest flora and fauna.

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