Discover the wild side of Ethiopia with an unforgettable journey into Awash National Park, where open savannahs, volcanic landscapes, dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife come together in one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating natural destinations.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Ethiopia beyond its historic cities and mountain landscapes. From wildlife viewing and birdwatching to the spectacular Awash Falls and Rift Valley scenery, every part of the journey offers something different.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Awash National Park
- Search for Beisa oryx, gazelles, kudu, warthogs, baboons, and other wildlife
- Enjoy birdwatching with hundreds of recorded bird species
- Visit the spectacular Awash Falls
- Explore the dramatic Awash River Gorge
- See the volcanic landscapes around Mount Fentale
- Enjoy Ethiopia’s beautiful Rift Valley scenery
- Capture incredible wildlife and landscape photographs
- Optional hot spring experience
- Travel with an experienced local guide
Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa to Awash National Park
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or another agreed location in Addis Ababa.
Leave the capital behind and travel east toward the Rift Valley. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes from the cooler Ethiopian highlands to warmer and drier lowland scenery.
Pass through Adama and continue toward the Awash region, enjoying views of rural communities, farmland, acacia woodland, and the changing Ethiopian landscape.
After arriving in the Awash area, continue into the national park.
Afternoon Wildlife Drive
Begin your first wildlife experience inside Awash National Park.
With your guide, explore the park’s plains and woodland while looking for some of the area’s wildlife, including:
- Beisa oryx
- Soemmerring’s gazelle
- Greater kudu
- Warthogs
- Baboons
- Vervet monkeys
- Guereza monkeys
- Spotted hyenas
- Other wildlife depending on the season and location
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because the animals move freely through their natural habitat.
Awash Falls
Continue to one of the park’s most spectacular natural attractions: Awash Falls.
The Awash River drops dramatically into a deep gorge, creating an impressive combination of waterfalls, cliffs, volcanic scenery, and vegetation.
Spend time enjoying the viewpoints, taking photographs, and watching for birds around the river and gorge.
Overnight in the Awash area.
Day 2: Wildlife, Birdwatching & Rift Valley Landscapes
Start the morning early for a sunrise wildlife experience.
The cooler morning hours provide excellent conditions for exploring the park and searching for active wildlife.
Morning Game Drive
Continue your wildlife drive through different areas of the park.
Your guide will help you identify animals and birds while explaining the ecology and landscape of the region.
Awash is particularly interesting for birdwatchers, with hundreds of bird species recorded in the park.
Bring your camera and binoculars and keep an eye out for raptors, hornbills, bustards, rollers, larks, and other savannah and woodland birds.
Mount Fentale & Volcanic Landscapes
Continue through the spectacular volcanic scenery around Mount Fentale.
The area offers a completely different landscape from Ethiopia’s northern highlands, with rugged volcanic terrain, dry plains, and expansive Rift Valley views.
Depending on the selected itinerary, additional hiking or exploration can be arranged where conditions and access permit.
Optional Hot Spring Experience
Travelers who want to add a relaxing experience can include a visit to a natural hot spring, subject to the chosen route and current accessibility.
Relax in the warm waters while enjoying the surrounding Rift Valley landscape.
Return to Addis Ababa
After lunch, begin the journey back toward Addis Ababa.
Watch the landscape change again as you travel from the lowlands toward the Ethiopian highlands.
Arrive in Addis Ababa later in the day.
Why Visit Awash National Park?
Awash is more than a wildlife destination.
It combines several experiences in one journey:
Wildlife: Search for oryx, gazelles, kudu, baboons, warthogs, and other animals.
Birdwatching: Explore one of Ethiopia’s excellent destinations for observing African birdlife.
Waterfalls: Experience the spectacular Awash Falls and surrounding gorge.
Volcanic Landscapes: Discover the dramatic geological scenery around Mount Fentale.
Rift Valley: Experience the warmer and drier landscapes of eastern Ethiopia.
Photography: Capture wildlife, birds, waterfalls, volcanic scenery, and rural landscapes.
What’s Included
- Private or shared transportation according to your selected package
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Accommodation according to your selected package
- Park entrance fees
- Wildlife viewing and game-drive arrangements
- Local guide fees where required
- Bottled drinking water
- Meals specified in your confirmed itinerary
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under What’s Included
Best For
This tour is ideal for:
- Wildlife lovers
- Birdwatchers
- Photographers
- Nature enthusiasts
- Couples
- Families
- Travelers looking for a short adventure from Addis Ababa
- Visitors interested in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Hat and sunglasses
- Light clothing
- Warm layer for cooler mornings
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and essentials
Important Travel Information
Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather, animal movements, and local conditions. Your guide may adjust the route to provide the best possible experience.
The ideal itinerary can also be adjusted according to your interests. Wildlife photography, birdwatching, hiking, cultural experiences, and relaxation can all be incorporated into a customized trip.
Customize Your Awash Adventure
Want to spend more time photographing wildlife?
Interested mainly in birdwatching?
Want to include hot springs or additional nature experiences?
Tell us what you want to experience, and Landscape Ethiopia Tours can customize the itinerary around your interests.
Book Your Awash National Park Adventure
Discover Ethiopia’s incredible wilderness with Limalimo Ethiopia Tours. Our local guides create personalized nature and wildlife experiences that help you explore Bale Mountains safely and authentically.
Email: info@limalimoethiopiatours.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +251 924 367 288
