Outgrowing our Tent: A Family’s Lesson in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia
Some trips are meticulously planned months in advance; others take unexpected turns, leading to unforeseen adventures. Ours was the latter. The night before our eagerly awaited trek in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains , we received news of safety concerns in the region, necessitating a sudden change of plans. In response, Solomon at Mesob Tours swiftly redirected us to a new destination: a four-day expedition in the Bale Mountains National Park . With this pivot, we set our sights southward, trading the Simien's rugged peaks for the Bale's expansive high-altitude landscapes. Arrival in Goba Our journey commenced with a flight into Goba , a modest town on the periphery of the Bale Mountains. The Robe Airport (GOB) was minimalistic— a single gate devoid of amenities , merely a straightforward runway amidst open terrain. The absence of bustling crowds and commercial distractions underscored the remoteness of our location. Awaiting us was Houssain , our guide for the expedition. His ...