Safari Overview
Duration
2 days / 1 night
Start/End Point
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Temperature
Average 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Best Season
October-June (dry season)
Altitude
800-2000m above sea level
Group Size
2-8 people (private options available)
Perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Light walking involved.
Established in 1966, Awash National Park is Ethiopia's oldest national park, located just 225km east of Addis Ababa. This diverse ecosystem encompasses savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, volcanic formations, and the spectacular Awash River gorge with its dramatic waterfalls. The park is home to over 450 species of birds and 81 species of mammals, including oryx, kudu, warthogs, baboons, and the rare Beisa oryx.
Our carefully planned safari takes you through the park's highlights with expert guides who know the best wildlife viewing spots. Stay overnight at the park's lodge overlooking the Awash River, where you might spot hippos and crocodiles from your balcony. This is the perfect introduction to Ethiopia's wildlife for first-time visitors and families.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa - Awash National Park - Doho Lodge
Start your journey in the morning, around 8:30 AM, as you drive from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours, passing through the towns of Debre Zeit, Mojo, and Nazret, offering picturesque views of the Ethiopian highlands. Stop for lunch in the small town of Awash, where you can enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine while taking in the local atmosphere. After lunch, continue your drive to Doho Lodge, located inside Awash National Park, where you'll spend the night. The lodge is known for its stunning views of the park and the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, take time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty around you. The lodge also offers a chance to unwind at the Hot Springs, where you can bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters, a perfect way to relax after the day’s travel. As evening falls, enjoy a beautiful sunset over the park, offering a fantastic photo opportunity. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you can enjoy local dishes while soaking in the peaceful surroundings of the park. Overnight stay at Doho Lodge.
Day 2: Awash National Park - Debre Zeit Crater Lakes - Addis Ababa
After an early breakfast at the lodge, begin your day with a morning drive to Awash National Park for a game drive. Awash is home to a variety of wildlife, including Oryx, Swine’s Hartebeest, Bushbucks, Olive Baboons, and Crocodiles, which can be found near the Awash River and falls. The park is also known for its over 450 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Keep your eyes open for the beautiful Lappet-faced Vultures and the rare Sofala Weavers. After the game drive, return to the vehicle and begin your journey back to Addis Ababa. On the way, you will visit the Debre Zeit Crater Lakes, which are known for their stunning beauty and peaceful surroundings. Make a stop at Bishoftu Lake and Hora Lake, where you can enjoy a short trek around the lakeside and take in the natural scenery. For a more immersive experience, you will also take a boat trip on one of the lakes, providing a unique perspective of the landscape and the chance to spot local wildlife. In the afternoon, continue your drive back to Addis Ababa, where you will arrive in the late afternoon around 6:00 PM.
Safari Highlights
Wildlife Viewing
Spot oryx, kudu, warthogs, baboons, and over 450 bird species in their natural habitat
Awash Falls
Marvel at the dramatic waterfall where the Awash River plunges into a gorge
Fantale Crater
Explore the volcanic landscapes around this dormant volcano
Filwoha Hot Springs
Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by palm trees
Birdwatching Paradise
Excellent opportunities to spot endemic and migratory birds
Riverside Lodge
Overnight at scenic lodge with potential hippo and crocodile sightings
What's Included
- All transportation in 4x4 vehicles from Addis Ababa
- Professional English-speaking wildlife guide
- Breakfast
- Accommodation in Doho Lodge
- All park entrance fees and permits
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled water throughout the trip
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Ethiopia
- Accommodation in Addis Ababa before/after tour
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Optional activities not mentioned
Essential Packing List
Sun Protection
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Comfortable Footwear
Walking shoes for light hikes
Light Clothing
Neutral colors for wildlife viewing (avoid bright colors)
Camera Gear
DSLR/phone with zoom lens, extra batteries
Binoculars
For optimal wildlife viewing (8x42 recommended)
Light Jacket
For cooler mornings and evenings
Insect Repellent
DEET-based repellent recommended
Personal Medications
Any prescription medications you require
Physical Requirements
This safari is suitable for most fitness levels with minimal physical demands:
- Light walking involved (mostly flat terrain)
- Game drives conducted in 4x4 vehicles with stops for viewing
- Short walks to viewpoints (Awash Falls, hot springs)
- No strenuous hiking required
- Accommodation has standard amenities (not camping)
The safari is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 6+. Those with mobility concerns should note some areas have uneven terrain. The park sits at moderate altitude (800-2000m) which generally doesn't cause issues for visitors.
Wildlife You May See
Awash National Park boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including:
Mammals
- Beisa oryx (endangered)
- Greater kudu
- Defassa waterbuck
- Somali kudu
- Warthogs
- Anubis baboons
- Black-backed jackals
- Hippopotamus
- Crocodiles
Birds (450+ species)
- Abyssinian roller
- Somali ostrich
- Secretary bird
- Lappet-faced vulture
- Carmine bee-eater
- African fish eagle
- Yellow-billed stork
- African pygmy falcon
- Many migratory species
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, your expert guide will take you to the best viewing areas at optimal times of day. The dry season (October-June) offers the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources.
Ready for an Ethiopian Wildlife Adventure?
Book your Awash National Park Safari today and experience Ethiopia's incredible biodiversity!
Family packages available - Children under 12 receive 30% discount
Visitor Testimonials
"Awash National Park was the perfect introduction to Ethiopia's wildlife. We saw oryx, kudu, baboons, and countless birds. The falls were spectacular, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. The lodge was comfortable with amazing views of the river where we saw hippos at sunset. Highly recommend this safari for families!"
Jessica R.
From UK
"As a birdwatcher, I was blown away by the diversity in Awash. Our guide knew all the hotspots and helped me identify over 60 species in just two days! The landscape variety from savannah to waterfalls to volcanic craters made every moment interesting. The lodge was comfortable with delicious food. Would definitely return in different seasons to see migratory birds."
David L.
From USA