2-Day Awash National Park Tour

Day 1: Addis Ababa → Awash National Park (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

Morning:

• Early morning departure from Addis Ababa (around 6:00–7:00 AM) by 4×4 vehicle.

• Scenic drive through the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Stop for coffee or breakfast en route in Nazret (Adama).

• Arrive at Awash National Park Gate around midday.

• Brief orientation and registration at park headquarters.

Midday:

• Visit the Awash River Gorge and the stunning Awash Falls—watch as the river plunges into a narrow canyon.

• Check into your lodge or camping site inside the park (Awash Falls Lodge or similar).

• Enjoy lunch at the lodge overlooking the falls.

Afternoon Game Drive:

• Start your first game drive in the southern part of the park.

• Look for:

  • Beisa oryx

  • Soemmerring’s gazelles

  • Greater and lesser kudus

  • Warthogs

  • Baboons, vervet monkeys, and potentially crocodiles by the river

• Birdwatching: Awash is home to over 450 species of birds including secretary birds, hornbills, and bustards.

Evening:

• Return to lodge before sunset.

• Enjoy sunset over Mount Fentale, an extinct volcano.

• Dinner at the lodge with views of the gorge or a campfire meal if camping.

• Optional: short guided night walk near lodge (look for nocturnal animals and insects).

Overnight: Awash Falls Lodge or camping inside the park.

Day 2: Mount Fentale, Hot Springs & Return to Addis Ababa

Early Morning:

• Optional: sunrise hike or drive to Mount Fentale Crater (if you’re fit and have time; about 2-3 hours total).

  • Explore the volcanic crater and enjoy panoramic views over the park.

  • Spot ostriches and other early-morning wildlife.

Breakfast back at lodge or picnic-style in the field.

Midday:

• Drive to the Filwoha Hot Springs (north of the park) — a lush, palm-fringed oasis in a semi-arid area.

  • Opportunity for a refreshing swim in natural thermal pools.

  • Picnic lunch or light meal in the palm grove.

Afternoon:

• Last short game drive on the return route.

• Depart Awash National Park and begin drive back to Addis Ababa.

• Optional photo stops at Rift Valley viewpoints or Lake Beseka.

Late Afternoon / Early Evening:

• Arrive in Addis Ababa by 5:00–6:00 PM.

✅ Tour Inclusions (Sample)

• Private 4×4 transportation with driver

• Local guide or park ranger

• 1 night accommodation (lodge or camping)

• Meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)

• Park entrance fees and crater/hot spring access

• Bottled water during the trip