Although there are no community based tourism enterprises in the Bale Mountains that provide comprehensive tourism services, there are a number of community associations the provide guiding, horse, porter and cooking services. Visitors to Bale Mountain National Park should be sure to hire only certified guides and association members to ensure that benefits are directed into the community. 

Activities & Experiences in and around Bale Mountains National Park

• Mountain Trekking on horse or by foot. Single day to multiple day treks through the mountains and forests of Bale
• Bird watching – a number of different vegetation types and climatic zones are accessible by horse, vehicle, or foot within one day
• Game viewing on horse or by foot.
• Visiting artisans in their workshops
• Trout-fishing – both rainbow and brown trout are found in streams around the park
• Visiting the nearby Sof Umar caves (a day-trip from the Bale Mountains National Park)
• Visiting nearby Dire Sheik Hussein (a day-trip from the Bale Mountains National Park)

Service Providers

Nyala Guides Association was established in 2006 and is accredited to work inside the park. All members of the association are from the local community and work on a rotational basis. Guides can be hired at the reception gate of the park in Dinsho.

Leopard Horse Providers Association was established in 2007 and is accredited to work inside the park. All members are from local communities living around the park and provide well-conditioned horses to visitors for a daily fee. Horses are hired through the association with the assistance of a Nyala Guide.

Borofa Porters Association was established in 2007 and is accredited to work inside the park. All members of the association are from local communities living around the park and are used to assisting with loading and unloading horse, carrying gear, and managing pack horses. Porters can be arranged with the help of a Nyala Guide.

Keykebero Cook Association was established in 2011 and is accredited to work in the park. All members of the KCA are from local communities who have received cooking and hygiene training. Members of this association can be hired as cooks, both for camping in the park headquarters and while trekking in the mountains.

For assistance arraning full tours including lodging and transportation book through one of the participating tour operators.