The park can be divided into three main Zones. The northern area of the park, around the park headquarters at Dinsho, consists of grassy, riverine plains and bush land of mainly sagebrush and St John’s Wort. From 2500m to 3300m, wood land mainly Hagenia Abyssinica and Juniperus Procera is found. The abundant wild flowers in the area include geranium, lobelia and alchemilla. Higher up, mountain grassland gives way to heather. Here the plant can be found not only as little bushes, but as large and mature trees.

The second zone, the Sanetti plateau, is home to typical Afro-alpine plants, some of which have adapted to the extreme plants, some of which have adapted to by known the extreme conditions by either remaining very small or becoming very large. The best known is the curious-looking giant lobelia (Lobelia rhynchopetalum ), which can reach 5m in height. The silver Helichrysum or ‘everlasing’ flowers are the dominant wild flowers. Keep an eye out for the indigenous Abyssinian rose, with its lovely subtle scent. The third habitat, is the moist, tropical Harenna Forest is home to tree species such as Hagenina, Celtis and Podocarpus.

The Bale Mountains are known for their endemic wildlife, particularly the endangered Ethiopia Wolf and Mountain Nyala. The sighting of an Ethiopian Wolf, the World’s rarest caned, is a highlight of a trip to the Bale Mountains, and is almost guaranteed on the Sannetti Plateau. But there are plenty of other no-less remarkable endemics to be seen, including Menelik’s Bush- Buck and the giant Mole rat. Other large mammals commonly seen in the northern are include Grey Duikers, Bohor reedbucks and warthogs. Serval cats and Anubis baboons are occasionally seen.

In the Harenna Forest, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, warthogs, colobus monkeys and spotted hyena are all found as well as leopards, lions, and African hunting dogs. The last three are rarely seen. Bale is also famous for its incredible number of endemic birds-16 at the last count. Usually, the endemics are very easily seen. On the plateau, sightings of endemics (the blue winged goose, wattled ibis, thick billed raven, Abyssinian long claw, black-headed siskin, pot breasted plover, and Rouget’s rail) are almost guaranteed. The birdlife in the juniper forests around the park headquarters is outstanding too: to try to spot the elusive Abyssinian Catbirds and yellow fronted parrots. The best time to visit and explore the park at the hottest and driest time of the year is fall between December and February, but late September to early December is when the scenery is greenest and the wildflowers are out. Night time temperatures between December and January are also the coldest-frost and snows are occasionally seen.