Wolf Watching

[16-27 November 2011]

An exclusive trail riding expedition in the remote Bale Mountains observing Ethiopian wolves with their pups and accompanied by Dr. Claudio Sillero.

Every day will be spent observing and helping to monitor different wolf packs on this 11-day expedition in to the hinterland of Bale, and I'll share with you many of the secrets of these remote, wild mountains. We will travel on horse-back (no previous experience required) and on foot, through mountain valleys amid giant lobelias and get close and personal with the wolves. We will camp beside weird lava formations, watch raptors, and meet the Oromo pastoralists that make Bale their home. Whilst the camping will be to the highest standard available and as comfortable as practicably possible, this expedition requires a reasonable level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. You will be trekking on foot and horseback in remote mountainous areas up to 4,200m. Luxury accommodation awaits you pre and post your wolf viewing experience.

As you know Ethiopian wolves are the rarest African carnivore, and the only wolf in Africa. I have been working to protect them and their wonderful Afroalpine home for most of my professional life. Watching the wolves out in the Bale Mountains remains one of the best perks of my job as a conservation biologist, and this is something I would love to share with some of you.

Some 400 wolves remain in a handful of mountain enclaves, and more than half are found in the Bale Mountains. I like to think of Bale as the Roof of Africa; with a 1,000km² of Afroalpine meadows and Erica moorlands this is indeed the largest mountain plateau on the continent. The wolves are the guardians of these magic lands, visited only by a handful of hard-core lupine enthusiasts and African travellers every year. I am only able to share such an intimate experience with 6-9 guests and with the help of my senior wolf monitors will split in to smaller groups of just 3 or 4 people. Unlike other rare carnivores the wolves are easily found and observed. We will be able to see wolf packs from close up, and observe their foraging and social behaviour at a time when many packs will be looking after their pups.

With Spencer Scott Travel looking after all the arrangements for us you can rest assured that this will be an exceptional and very personal safari, with great attention paid to detail and your general welfare. So I do hope you will be able to join me on this unique adventure to the Roof of Africa and become one of the few privileged friends to get close to the wolves and watch their intricate social behaviour.

If you think this expedition is for you please contact Spencer Scott Travel directly to check availability and to reserve your place.

http://www.spencerscott.co.uk/wildlife-safaris/ethiopian-wolves.php