The vegetation of the afroalpine and subafroalpine regions of Bale Mountains at Sanettiernwere studied to describe major plant groups and relationships between vegetation andrnedaphic, climatic and topographic factors. Vegetation composition was studied along anrnaltitudinal gradient extending from 3400 m up to 4300 m above sea level. Vegetation wasrnsampled from 20 m by 20 m quadrats. Frequency and cover of 65 species from a total ofrn77 quadrats were recorded, human interference was scaled 0 - 5, where 0 stands forrninsignificant or no interference and 5 for high interference. Soil samples were collectedrnfrom each quadrat and analyzed for texture, pH, conductivity, organic matter, availablernphosphorus, total nitrogen, soil moisture content and exchangeable bases (K+ and Na +).rnAssociation analysis was performed on the vegetation data using NCLAS: Agglomerativernclustering by distance optimization. Seven major plant groups, namely Kniphojia -rnEuphorbia - Alchemilla scrub, Erica - Philippi belt, Helichrysum citrispinum - Alchemillarnabyssinica, Alchemilla hallmanii meadow, Festuca - Carex monostachya swamps,rnHelichrysllm splendidunl - Lobelia - Festllca - Ellryops and Lobelia - Festuca - Helichrysumrngojens plant groups are described.rnThe relative mean annual precipitation and daily fluctuations in temperature were foundrnto be the most important factors determining plant group structure. The gradual changesrnin altitude associated with changes in atmospheric pressure, moisture, and temperaturerninfluenced the distribution of vegetation. Vegetation cover and species diversity decreasedrnwith an increase in altitude. Plant cover and diversity decreased with an increase in anrnestimated degree of human interference. Implications of the findings are discussed andrnrecommendations are given towards the conservation of the biodiversity and the rationalrnutilization of afroalpine ecosystems.