Location
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Newly built in 2014, Bale Mountain Lodge is a conservation-focused ecolodge located in the cloud forest of Bale Mountains National Park with access to the Rift Valley. Tucked into the hillside to minimize its visual impact on the surrounding area, the boutique lodge's 11 rooms are constructed of local stone. The attached dining room features a thatched roof and central sunken fireplace, providing cozy atmosphere for relaxing in the evenings. All guest rooms are equipped with a wood-burning stove to provide extra warmth. The furniture has been created locally using sustainable wood and other locally sourced materials, and linens feature colorful Ethiopian textiles. 

The location of the lodge provides a superb opportunity for guests to experience a pristine wilderness environment that incorporates the largest tract of Afro-Alpine moorland remaining on the African continent. The lodge itself is situated within the Harenna Forest at a more comfortable 7,800 feet, within a clearing that looks toward the ridgeline of the expansive plateau. Several short walking trails lead directly from the lodge,  enabling guests to see the region's rare and endemic wildlife on foot.