Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains National Park: A Tourism Boom Amid Infrastructure Development and World Heritage Status

Published on December 7, 2025

Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains National Park is experiencing a significant increase in both tourist numbers and revenue as a result of major infrastructure improvements and its recent designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park, located in the Oromia region, spans over 2,000 square kilometres and serves as a critical habitat for several endemic species, including the Ethiopian Wolf and the Mountain Nyala. This increase in tourism is largely due to key government-led initiatives aimed at improving the region’s infrastructure and promoting its unique ecological offerings.

Infrastructure Development Boosts Bale Mountains Tourism

The efforts to upgrade the park’s infrastructure began under the guidance of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who prioritized regional development to support the growth of ecotourism. According to local authorities, road enhancements and the development of tourism facilities have been central to the increasing tourist traffic. These upgrades have not only improved the accessibility of the park but also helped elevate its status as a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.

Prime Minister Abiy’s commitment to sustainable development has resulted in significant investments, particularly in areas that were previously difficult to access. As the park becomes more accessible, the number of visitors continues to grow, benefiting not just the park itself but also the surrounding communities.

Growing Global Profile as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

A pivotal moment in the park’s rise was its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition has amplified its international profile, attracting more tourists from across the globe. The World Heritage inscription not only highlights the park’s ecological significance but also positions it as a globally important conservation area. For international tourists, the UNESCO label has become a draw, bringing increased attention to the region’s unique flora and fauna.

The park is home to rare species such as the Bale Monkey and the Ethiopian Wolf, making it a key area for wildlife conservation efforts. With the World Heritage designation, the park is now part of a select group of globally recognized natural wonders. The increased global recognition has been complemented by intensified promotional efforts, further driving the influx of visitors.

Surge in Tourist Arrivals and Economic Impact

The figures speak for themselves. During the first quarter of the fiscal year, Bale Mountains National Park welcomed 3,690 tourists, marking an impressive 17% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Of these visitors, 45% were international tourists, underscoring the park’s growing appeal to foreign travelers.

The rise in tourist numbers has had a direct impact on local and national economies. According to Shamil Kedir, the park’s head, the increased tourism has contributed to a significant boost in revenue. Local ecotourism associations reported a total of nine million birr in earnings during the first quarter—an increase of two million birr over the previous year. Meanwhile, the park itself earned 600,000 Birr, a 200,000 Birr rise from the same period last year. These figures highlight the economic benefits of sustainable tourism and the impact of the government’s infrastructure investments.

Local Communities Reap the Benefits

The impact of tourism has been felt most acutely in the local communities surrounding the park. The development of tourism has created new job opportunities and provided a steady source of income for many. Local ecotourism associations have benefited from the growing demand for services such as mule rentals and porter services, which have been crucial in facilitating access to the park’s remote areas.

Hussein Kemal, a local resident who offers escort services to tourists, has noted how the community has embraced the economic opportunities that tourism brings. He highlighted that the arrangement, which allows locals to directly benefit from park tourism, has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents. This, in turn, has led to greater efforts to preserve the park’s natural beauty and safeguard its unique wildlife.

The increased income from tourism has also allowed the local community to invest in preserving the park’s integrity, ensuring that both visitors and wildlife are protected for future generations. This collaborative approach between the government, local residents, and conservationists has played a crucial role in the park’s success.

Strategic Development for Long-Term Growth

The positive momentum in Bale Mountains National Park’s tourism sector is expected to continue as local authorities look to capitalize on its growing popularity. Shibiru, the head of the Tourism Development and Expansion Team at the Zonal Tourism Office, emphasized that the region is committed to expanding its attractions and marketing its unique offerings to maximize tourism revenue.

The regional government’s efforts are aligned with Ethiopia’s broader tourism development strategy, which aims to make the country a top destination for international travelers. By focusing on infrastructure development and sustainable tourism, the government is positioning Bale Mountains National Park as a leading example of how ecotourism can drive economic growth while conserving valuable natural resources.

Local residents, too, are expected to continue playing an active role in promoting the park’s attractions, further strengthening the bond between the community and the park. With the continued support of the government and the growing global recognition of the park’s significance, the future looks bright for Bale Mountains National Park and the surrounding region.

A Model for Sustainable Eco-Tourism

Bale Mountains National Park exemplifies how ecotourism can help local communities while also conserving natural resources. The park’s improved infrastructure, UNESCO World Heritage status, and rising international profile have made it one of Ethiopia’s most valuable tourism assets. As the number of visitors increases, so does the economic impact on local communities, demonstrating how tourism can promote both conservation and economic growth.

Bale Mountains National Park is poised to become Africa’s leading ecotourism destination, thanks to ongoing government infrastructure investments and active community involvement. The park’s success story demonstrates the power of sustainable tourism and how it can help to preserve the world’s most valuable natural wonders.