Bale Mountains National Park, National park in Bale Zone, Ethiopia.
Bale Mountains National Park spreads across alpine meadows, dense forests, and high plateaus in southeastern Ethiopia. The terrain includes five distinct ecological zones cut through by forty rivers, creating numerous hiking routes and lookout points for visitors.
Ethiopia established this protected area in 1969 as a way to preserve the mountain ecosystem for the future. UNESCO later recognized its ecological importance by designating it as a World Heritage Site.
The Oromo communities living near the park maintain pastoral and farming traditions that shape how the land is used and managed. You can see this balance between human activity and wildlife protection throughout the lower elevations of the reserve.
The park is best visited during drier months when trails are easier to navigate and visibility is clearer. Prepare for cooler temperatures at higher elevations and changing weather conditions, so bring appropriate gear for mountain hiking.
The park shelters one of the world's rarest carnivores: the Ethiopian wolf, with only a few hundred left in the wild. This remarkable species roams mainly on the highlands, making the reserve crucial for its survival.
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