BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Size: 2,470 Sq. Km.
Region: Bale
Geographical Location: South – East Ethiopia, Southern end of Eastern edge of Rift valley mountain chain, 400 km from Addis Ababa.
Altitude: 1,500 – 4,377 meter
Physical features: This extensive Afro – Alpine area contains alpine lakes and the highest peak in southern Ethiopia, Tullu Deemtu. The area of the park is divided into two major parts by the Harenna Escarpment that runs from East to West. North of this escarpment is a high – altitude Plateau area, which is dissected by many rivers and streams that have cut deep gorges in to the edges over the centuries. In some places this has resulted in scenic water falls. The northern part of the park is riverine planes, bush land, and wood land, the center is a high plateau of 4000 meters, which is crossed by the highest all weather road in Africa. The Southern part of the park is forest. Temperatures range from 7°C to 26°C, depending on the season. Rain fall is high, averaging 1,150 mm, and usually falls between March and October but also in other months.
Fauna: The Park was originally established to protect two of Ethiopia’s endemic species: The Mountain Nyala and the Semen Fox (Jakal). There are sixty four species of mammal in the park (eleven of them Endemic), including Menelik’s Bush – Buck, Bohor Reed Buck, Grey Duiker, Warthog, Serval Cat, Colombus Monkey, Giant Molerat, African Wild Dog, Bush Pig, Giant Forest Hog, Lion and Anubis Baboon.
Bird Life: The 220 bird species of Bale include 16 endemic species, many of which are easily seen. This includes Wttled Ibis, Black Winged Love Bird, Blue Winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, and thick – billed raven. Wattled Cranes are often seen on the high plateau in the wet season, when they breed.
Visitor’s facility: Self – centering lodge and camp site at park head quarters, camping allowed in park while trekking. Hotels nearby Goba and Robe.
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