The Marvel East and Bale Mountains
Bale Mountains National Park
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia’s premier biodiversity sanctuary, is a stunning expanse of Afro-Alpine moorlands, lush forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Home to over 1,300 plant species, including 160 Ethiopian endemics, the park is a vital refuge for rare wildlife such as the endangered Ethiopian wolf, the majestic mountain nyala, and the unique Bale monkey. Dominated by the vast Sanetti Plateau, the park offers unparalleled opportunities to witness high-altitude ecosystems teeming with endemic birds, rare mammals, and diverse flora. Recognized as one of Africa’s top birding destinations, Bale is not only a haven for wildlife but also a spectacular natural treasure, with accessible roads guiding visitors through its breathtaking scenery, from the towering Mount Tulu Dimtu to the rich forests of Harenna.
Dire Dawa
Dire Dawa, Ethiopia’s second-largest city, was founded in 1902 as a key railway hub connecting Addis Ababa to Djibouti, and it remains a vibrant crossroads of cultures and commerce. Divided by the dry Dachata River, Dire Dawa blends the colonial elegance of Kezira—with its wide, tree-lined streets and French-built railway station—with the bustling, organic charm of Megaala, the old Islamic quarter known for its lively markets: Kefira for local produce, Taiwan for imported goods, and Ashewa for livestock. The city offers rich experiences, from the colorful energy of its markets and the flavorful local cuisine to historical sites like the Chemni Defer railway museum. Dire Dawa also serves as a gateway to significant rock-art sites, including Porc-Epic Cave and the remote Laga Oda, making it more than just a transit point but a destination worth exploring.
Harar: The living museum
Harar, often called the “Living Museum,” is a vibrant, fortified city renowned for its rich Islamic heritage, intricate alleyways, and centuries-old traditions. With 368 narrow passageways packed into just one square kilometer, Harar boasts the world’s highest concentration of mosques and shrines, earning its place as Islam’s fourth holiest city. The city’s unique gey gar houses, colorful markets, and historic sites like the Sherif Harari City Museum and the Arthur Rimbaud Museum capture its timeless cultural depth. Harar’s living traditions, from hyena feeding rituals at dusk to masterful basket weaving and coffee brewing, create an atmosphere where history and daily life coexist in extraordinary harmony.
Babile Elephant Sanctuary
Babile Elephant Sanctuary, located southeast of Harar and spanning nearly 7,000 square kilometers, is a remarkable wildlife reserve known for its dramatic landscapes of gorges, open plains, rocky formations, and arid zones. It shelters Africa’s most north-easterly elephant population, possibly a unique subspecies endemic to the Horn of Africa. The sanctuary also hosts rare species such as the black-maned Abyssinian lion, swift cheetahs, greater and lesser kudus, hamadryas baboons, and an impressive variety of dryland birds, including the endemic Salvadori’s serin. With around 200 elephants migrating seasonally between the Erer and Gobelle river valleys, Babile offers visitors, especially during the late rainy season, a rare chance to observe these magnificent creatures, including the endangered black elephant.
