Awash National Park is located about 225 km east of Addis Ababa and is Ethiopia’s oldest and most developed wildlife reserve, offering a unique blend of semi-arid acacia woodlands, grassland savannah, and dramatic volcanic features. A day trip to the park is a full-day adventure focused on three main highlights: the spectacular Awash Falls, wildlife viewing (including Beisa Oryx, Kudu, and Gazelles), and the unique Filwoha Hot Springs. The tour requires a very early start to maximize daylight hours within the park and return to the capital at a reasonable time.
Depart from your hotel or residence in Addis Ababa. The long drive (approx. 4–5 hours) heads east on the main highway, crossing the Rift Valley floor. The vehicle will be a private 4WD, which is essential for the park roads. An optional quick stop for coffee and snacks can be made in Nazret (Adama) or Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) along the way.
Arrive at Awash National Park headquarters, finalize entrance fees, and meet the mandatory park scout. Immediately begin a game drive through the Illala Saha Plains and Kudu Valley, the prime wildlife viewing areas. Look for Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, greater and lesser Kudu, warthogs, and various monkey species. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 400 species recorded.
Drive to the southern boundary of the park to visit the spectacular Awash Falls, where the Awash River plunges into a dramatic gorge. Spend time enjoying the panoramic viewpoints and looking for crocodiles in the river below. Lunch is often taken here, either as a packed picnic or at the Awash Falls Lodge (if open and pre-arranged).
Head to the northern section of the park (Filwoha), an oasis setting with palm groves and natural hot springs. This is a chance to relax, soak your feet in the warm, mineral-rich pools, or take a short, guided walk in the cooler, sheltered riverine area. This spot also offers excellent birdwatching before the return journey.
Begin the final game drive section, slowly exiting the park to maximize the chance of spotting any final wildlife or unique bird species before reaching the main gate. Depart from Awash National Park and commence the long drive back towards Addis Ababa.
Arrive back in Addis Ababa and be dropped off at your hotel or designated location, concluding the full-day tour.
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Kazanchis Nega City Mall 1st floor,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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