Bale Mountain Lodge

Bale Mountain Lodge is set high in the mountains, on an 8 hectare plot within the cloud forest, with views overlooking a large clearing which is used by animals for grazing and foraging. The lodge uses a mixture of contemporary and traditional designs centered around two large fireplaces which encourage an inclusive and cosy atmosphere within this truly remote and wild environment. All of the 15 rooms are large and offer comfortable beds, private decks and wood burning stoves. All rooms are hidden from view from any other to permit guests to feel totally isolated whilst being safe and warm. The lodge is a superb location from which to explore the forest and the plateau, both of which offer walking safaris in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Access to the Rift Valley, with its camel markets and dry dusty conditions is a mere 1 hour drive to the south and the Sof Omar caves, Africa’s largest limestone cave system is a return day trip to the North.

Accommodation

Bale Mountain Lodge is designed to accommodate 30 guests in 15 rooms. There are three types of room, which are quite different in feel and function.

• Four rooms are luxury tree houses set around the base of large forest trees
• Three rooms near the main lodge are fully wheelchair accessible with designs that emphasize use by those with mobility issues but are also well suited to families
• Eight rooms, all unique, are of stone and wooden construction set around the 8 hectare site

Every room has private views and the site is 100% eco-friendly with power coming from the lodge’s own Micro-Hydro power plant, bio gas providing cooking gas, heat pump hot water systems and with all waste managed to prevent any contamination and to make the lodge ‘carbon positive’ to the environment.

Lodge

The open plan living and dining room has traditional architecture with a high thatched roof lined with bamboo. A large sunken fireplace acts as the focal point of the room with fires laid on both the lounge and dining room sides of the hearth. Comfortable sofas and armchairs, Ethiopian rugs and friendly service create a sense of luxury and relaxation and guests are encouraged to meet before dinner for sundowners around the external fire pit on the front deck. For those who want their own space there is an additional ‘snug’ room set off the bar area with its own fireplace and with an emphasis on quiet contemplation and relaxation.

Facilities at Bale Mountain Lodge

A wide eucalyptus wood deck encircles the lodge and offers additional space for al fresco dining or taking tea and cakes in the afternoon. Walkways extend around the site to numerous attractions; a waterfall fed rock pool is ideal for cooling down on hot days; secluded benches and pagodas are great spots from which to watch the wildlife, or simply get away from the pressures of modern life; the lodge spa offers massage, manicure, facial services and a hot tub in a location which straddles the mountain stream, adding the gentle sound of running water to the feel of seclusion and privacy. All of the paths and decks permit views of the clearing, the stream, a wetland habitat (which harbours many endemic species of fogs and newts) or of the lodge pond, a 6000 m2 water feature which attracts migratory birds and local wildlife.