3-Day Awash National Park Adventure

• 3 Days / 2 Night
• Eastern Ethiopia

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Ethiopia, Awash National Park is a captivating destination that combines rich wildlife heritage with stunning natural features. Located just a few hours from Addis Ababa, this park offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and discover a plethora of attractions that make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Key Attractions

Awash River Falls

Witness the awe-inspiring Awash River Falls, where the calm journey of the Awash River culminates in a spectacular display of thundering cascades. The waterfall’s powerful roar and the sight of crocodiles basking on the rocks below make it a breathtaking highlight of the park. The mist from the falls creates a refreshing atmosphere, perfect for photography and relaxation.
Fantalle Mountain

Explore the dramatic landscape of Fantalle Mountain, an extinct volcano that towers over the surrounding lowlands. With its ancient fissures and impressive craters, Fantalle offers a thrilling adventure for hikers and nature lovers. The southern side of the mountain is home to a hyena den, where you can witness these nocturnal predators in their natural habitat as they venture into the park at dusk.

Palm Springs

Discover the serene Palm Springs in the northern part of the park, a picturesque spot ideal for camping and relaxation. The area is known for its hot springs, providing a unique opportunity to soak in naturally warm waters. As night falls, you might be lucky enough to hear the distant calls of lions, adding a touch of wilderness to your camping experience.

Itinerary

This itinerary offers a blend of wildlife viewing, stunning volcanic landscapes, and cultural insights in the Ethiopian Rift Valley.
Accommodation Suggestion: Awash Falls Lodge or Doho Lodge & Hotsprings are popular choices within or near the park, offering convenient access to attractions.

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Lake Beseka – Awash National Park – Awash Falls

Morning (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM): Departure from Addis Ababa
⦁ Begin your journey from Addis Ababa, driving east along the main highway into the Great Rift Valley. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you descend from the highlands to the semi-arid lowlands.

Late Morning/Mid-day (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Lake Beseka
⦁ Make a stop at Lake Beseka, a saline lake known for its unique landscape with black basalt lava remnants. Observe the diverse birdlife, including flamingos, African spoonbills, and other waterbirds. You might also see local Kereyu tribes with their herds of camels near the lake.

Lunch (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM): Metehara or Awash Town
⦁ Have lunch at a local restaurant in Metehara or Awash town.

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Awash National Park Game Drive & Awash Falls
⦁ Enter Awash National Park. After checking into your lodge, embark on your first game drive.
⦁ Explore the Ilala Sala Plain in the southern part of the park. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as Beisa oryx, Swayne’s hartebeest, greater and lesser kudu, warthogs, gazelles, baboons (Hamadryas and Olive), and various monkey species. If you’re lucky, you might spot hyenas, and occasionally even leopards or lions.
⦁ Visit the magnificent Awash Falls, where the Awash River tumbles into a deep gorge. Several viewpoints offer stunning perspectives. You may also see crocodiles in the river below the falls.

Evening (6:30 PM onwards): Dinner & Overnight in Awash National Park
⦁ Enjoy dinner at your lodge.
⦁ Spend the night at Awash Falls Lodge or Doho Lodge & Hotsprings, enjoying the sounds of the bush.

Day 2: Fentale Mountain – Hot Springs – Return to Addis Ababa

Early Morning (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM): Fentale Mountain Trek (Optional) & Morning Game Drive
⦁ For your adventures, embark on an early morning trek to Fentale Mountain, a dormant stratovolcano. The hike offers panoramic views of the park and its volcanic landscapes. It can take around 3 hours to reach the summit, providing breathtaking 360-degree vistas. (Note: The 4WD track is reportedly no longer drivable to the top, so it’s a trek.)
⦁ Alternatively, or after the trek, enjoy another morning game drive to witness the park coming alive and spot more wildlife that might be active in the cooler hours.

Late Morning (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM): Filwoha Hot Springs
⦁ Head to the Filwoha Hot Springs in the northern part of the park. These natural hot springs are set amidst groves of doum palms and offer beautiful turquoise-blue pools. Relax and enjoy a soak in the therapeutic waters (temperatures can be up to 45°C, so enter carefully). Be aware that crocodiles can sometimes be found in the cooler areas of the springs.

Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): Picnic or Lodge Lunch
⦁ Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot or return to your lodge for lunch.
Afternoon (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM): Drive back to Addis Ababa
⦁ Begin your drive back to Addis Ababa.
⦁ Optional Stop (Sodere Hot Springs): If time permits and you wish for another hot spring experience, you can stop at Sodere, a popular recreational spot with natural hot springs, on your way back.
⦁ Arrive back in Addis Ababa in the late afternoon/early evening.

Important Notes:

⦁ Transportation: This itinerary typically requires a private 4×4 vehicle with a driver, and a local park scout/guide.
⦁ Park Fees & Permits: Entrance fees for Awash National Park and guide/scout fees will apply. These are usually included if you book through a tour operator.
⦁ What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear (for hot springs), binoculars, and a camera.
⦁ Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary, and timings can be adjusted based on your interests and pace. Discuss any specific preferences with your tour operator or guide. Our team.
⦁ Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November to March) is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, as animals are more concentrated around water sources.
⦁ Safety: Always follow the instructions of your guide, especially during game drives and near hot springs or animal habitats.

Total cost: $500 pp

Inclusions:

⦁ Transportation
⦁ Accommodation
⦁ Meals
⦁ Park Activities
⦁ Park Fees & Permits
⦁ Professional English-speaking Guide
⦁ Bottled Drinking Water
⦁ Government taxes & service charges

Exclusions:
⦁ Domestic Flights
⦁ Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
⦁ Tips and gratuities
⦁ Travel Insurance
⦁ Personal Expenses
⦁ Additional Activities
⦁ Gear Rentals (Binoculars, trekking poles, etc. (if needed)