Bale treks
Equus Ethiopia is now organizing horse treks, in conjunction with Bale Treks, in the Bale Mountains. The Bale Mountains are a unique feature in Africa: a highland jutting to more than 4000 meters above the plateaus stretching out on the one side towards the Indian Ocean, and on the other side the several thousand kilometer Rift Valley. Bale is a mountain chain of unique Afro-Alpine flora and fauna (think Abyssinian Wolves, Giant Lobelia and Giant Mole Rats), desolate moors, cloud forests, and unmatchable vistas. And of courses, a people, the Oromo, and their prized horses.
The Oromo are the most numerous of Ethiopia’s numerous numbers of peoples and they stretch from the lowlands of the west to the hills of the east, from south of Tigray to Harar. And nearly everywhere the Oromos live they have developed an elaborate riding culture. They are a true nation of equestrians and till this day horses are used for transport as pack animals, and for locomotion – and in Bale, for both men and women, unlike many other parts of Ethiopia.
Since 1998, the ‘Bale Treks’ of Dodola trekking have been a mainstay for visitors wanting to ride and explore the Bale massif. Originally set up by GTZ Ethiopia, the operation is now fully run by the local communities who are set up as ‘horse handlers,’ and ‘horse owners.’ This enables large sections of the community to benefit from tourism activities and therefore increases the interest of the local community in preserving their unique environment.
Equus Ethiopia recognises the unique beauty of the Bale Mountains and the unique character of the treks organised by Bale Treks. Equus, with its proven expertise in organising top quality horse treks, can bring some extra benefits to this successful operation and also provide safe and reliable equipment and saddles, in a mutually beneficial partnership with the local communities. If you are a private individual, a group, or a tour operator wishing to know more about how we can organise a successful trek in the Bale Mountains for you, please Contact us.
© 2012 Equus Ethiopia