8 Days Bale Mountains, Rift Valley & Lalibela

Tour Name: 8 Days Bale Mountains, Rift Valley & Lalibela

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Mode of Transportation: Air and Surface Transportation
Guide: English-Speaking Regional Guide

Experience the very best of Ethiopia on this unforgettable 8-day adventure that blends breathtaking nature, rare wildlife, dramatic highlands, and timeless spiritual heritage.

Begin in Bale Mountains National Park, trekking through juniper forests and misty bamboo highlands in search of endemic treasures such as the Mountain Nyala, Bale Monkey and the world’s rarest canid the Ethiopian Wolf. Explore the vast Sanetti Plateau, Africa’s largest Afro-alpine habitat, and descend into the lush Harenna Forest before relaxing by the tranquil waters of Lake Hawassa and the bird-rich landscapes of Abijatta-Shalla National Park.

Then fly north to the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Walk through ancient tunnels and sunken courtyards to discover magnificent monolithic churches carved entirely from living rock, including the iconic cross-shaped Bete Giyorgis. Visit sacred monasteries filled with centuries-old crowns, crosses, illuminated manuscripts, and holy springs.

Conclude your journey in vibrant Addis Ababa, where history comes alive at the National Museum (home of Lucy), the Ethnological Museum, Entoto Hills, and the bustling Merkato. From Afro-alpine wilderness to sacred stone masterpieces, this tour offers a perfectly balanced journey of adventure, culture, wildlife, and spirituality designed for travelers seeking an authentic and deeply enriching Ethiopian experience.

Why Travel with Aman Ethiopia Tours and Travel

• Tailor-made itinerary designed for comfort and cultural depth
• Professional, knowledgeable guides
• Reliable transport, quality hotels, and well-organized logistics
• Strong focus on authentic cultural encounters and safety
• Personalized service for couples and mature travelers

Why This Tour?

• Unmatched diversity in just 8 days
• Rare and endemic wildlife encounters
• UNESCO World Heritage wonders
• Perfect balance of nature and culture
• Comfort combined with scenic variety
• Authentic and enriching experience

Day 01: Sat. Jun. 20, 2026 – Drive Shashemene to Bale Goba

After your team concludes, drive from Shashemene toward Bale Mountains National Park. In the afternoon, arrive at the Park Headquarters in Dinsho. Upon arrival, enjoy a one-hour hike along a nearby trail through the juniper-hagenia forest. Here you stand a strong chance of spotting two endemic mammals: the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck, both frequently seen in this area. Alongside mammals, keep your eyes open for Ethiopian forest bird species unique to these woodlands. Overnight: Nurobe Hotel

Day 02: Sun. Jun. 21, 2026 – Journey into Harenna Forest

Venture into the Harenna Forest, where a scenic trail winds upward toward Gushuralle Peak, offering sweeping views over primary cloud forest and dense stands of mountain bamboo framed by misty greenery. As you ascend, the bamboo belt provides ideal habitat for the elusive Bale Monkey, a rare bamboo-specialist primate endemic to the Bale Mountains. The trek takes you through upper montane forest and bamboo stands with spectacular vistas near the summit.

Wildlife opportunities include Bale monkeys, Menelik’s bushbuck, giant forest hogs, and colobus monkeys. The region also supports endemic bird species such as Abyssinian catbird, yellow-fronted parrot, silvery-cheeked hornbill, and white-cheeked turaco. Overnight: Nurobe Hotel

Day 03: Mon. Jun. 22, 2026 – Drive Goba to Hawassa

After breakfast, drive to the Sanetti Plateau, averaging over 4,000 meters and forming the largest Afro-alpine zone in Africa. This is prime habitat for the endangered Ethiopian wolf, often seen hunting rodents in the open highlands.

Traverse the plateau, observing endemic alpine flora including giant lobelia and Festuca grasslands. Pass near Mount Tullu Dimtu, Ethiopia’s second-highest peak at approximately 4,377 meters, accessible by road or a short walk offering breathtaking panoramic views. Later, descend from alpine heights to lush valleys and continue to Hawassa. Overnight: Haile Resort Hawassa

Day 04: Tue. Jun. 23, 2026 – Drive to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, visit Lake Hawassa, measuring 16 km long and 9 km wide, with a surface area of 129 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 10 meters at an elevation of 1,708 meters. Then drive toward Addis Ababa, stopping en route at Abijatta-Shalla National Park. The park spans 887 square kilometers and includes Lakes Abijatta and Shalla. Habitats range from open grasslands and dry savannas to arid shrublands dominated by Acacia species. Wildlife sightings may include Grant’s gazelles and common warthogs. The park is home to approximately 300 bird species, including endemics, residents, and migratory species. Common and Somali ostriches are often observed breeding here. Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel

Day 05: Wed. Jun. 24, 2026 – Fly Addis to Lalibela

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. After lunch, visit the northwestern cluster of rock-hewn churches:

• Bete Golgotha-Mika’el, a twin-church complex marking one of the most sacred areas
• Bete Maryam, possibly the oldest church in the complex
• Bete Meskel, carved into the courtyard of Bete Maryam
• Bete Denagel (House of the Virgins)

• Bete Medhane Alem, the largest free-standing monolithic church in the world

Later in the afternoon, visit Bete Giyorgis, carved in the shape of a perfect cross and considered the most elegant of all eleven churches. Overnight: Maribela Hotel Lalibela

Day 06: Thur. Jun. 25, 2026 – Na’akuto La’ab & Asheton Maryam

After breakfast, visit Na’akuto La’ab Monastery, founded by the successor of King Lalibela. Inside, discover sacred artifacts including crowns, painted drums, ornate crosses, and an illuminated Bible. Stone basins collecting holy water from the cave roof are especially revered. Continue to Asheton Maryam Church, another sanctuary rich with sacred treasures. The priest displays intricate crosses and a beautifully illustrated Bible featuring colorful artworks dating back centuries. Overnight: Maribela Hotel Lalibela

Day 07: Fri. Jun. 26, 2026 – Fly Lalibela to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, explore the remaining southeastern cluster churches:

• Bete Gabriel-Rufael
• Bete Marqorios
• Bete Emmanuel
• Bete Abba Libanos

These churches feature remarkable Aksumite architectural elements and intricate decorative motifs carved into volcanic rock. Later, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel

Day 08: Sat. Jun. 27, 2026 – Full Day Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Addis Ababa with visits to:

• Entoto Maryam Church, built in 1877 by Emperor Menelik II
• Entoto Hills, offering panoramic views at 2,900 meters above sea level
• Ethnological Museum, located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie
• National Museum of Ethiopia, home to Lucy and Selam
• Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market

Price includes

• Double room hotel accommodation with
  breakfast
• Daily unlimited Bottled Water
• Private vehicle with professional driver
• English speaking professional guide services
• All Entrance fees

Price excludes

• Lunch and dinners
• Alcohol drinks
• Video and photographing fees
• Gratitude and personal expenses
• International air tickets