Home › Destinations › Awash National Park
Awash National Park, ኢትዮጵያ إثيوبيا - Things to Do in Awash National Park

Things to Do in Awash National Park

Awash National Park, ኢትዮጵያ إثيوبيا - Complete Travel Guide

Awash National Park, located in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, is one of the country's most accessible and diverse wildlife reserves, spanning 827 square kilometers along the Awash River valley. Established in 1966, this spectacular park sits at the junction of three geological rifts, creating a unique landscape of acacia woodlands, grasslands, hot springs, and dramatic volcanic formations including the dormant Fantale volcano. The park serves as a crucial wildlife corridor and is renowned for its population of Beisa oryx, as well as being home to over 450 bird species and numerous mammals including baboons, warthogs, and various antelope species. The park's strategic location along the main highway between Addis Ababa and Djibouti makes it an ideal destination for both day trips and extended wildlife adventures. Visitors can explore the stunning Awash Falls, where the river cascades 30 meters into a dramatic gorge, witness the fascinating interaction between wildlife and the local Afar and Oromo pastoralist communities, and experience the raw beauty of Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley ecosystem. The park offers excellent opportunities for game drives, bird watching, hiking, and cultural encounters, making it a perfect introduction to Ethiopia's natural wonders.

Top Things to Do in Awash National Park

Wildlife Game Drives

Explore the park's diverse ecosystems on guided game drives to spot Beisa oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle, baboons, warthogs, and over 80 mammal species. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active. The park's varied habitats from acacia woodlands to open grasslands provide excellent photographic opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book game drives through the park headquarters or your lodge, typically costing $30-50 per vehicle plus guide fees. Best times are 6-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Choose operators with experienced local guides who know animal movement patterns and can provide cultural insights about the area.

Awash Falls Hiking

Trek to the spectacular Awash Falls where the river plunges 30 meters into a narrow gorge, creating a misty oasis surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation. The moderate 2-hour hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to spot various bird species. The falls area provides a refreshing contrast to the arid savanna environment.

Booking Tip: Hire a local guide at the park entrance for $15-20 per day, essential for navigation and safety. Visit during dry season (October-May) for easier access. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy hiking boots as terrain can be rocky and hot.

Bird Watching Expeditions

Discover over 450 bird species including secretary birds, Abyssinian rollers, carmine bee-eaters, and various raptors across the park's diverse habitats. The Awash River and surrounding wetlands attract numerous waterbirds, while the acacia woodlands host endemic Ethiopian species. Early morning sessions offer the best birding opportunities with peak activity levels.

Booking Tip: Specialized birding guides cost $25-35 per day and can be arranged through Ethiopian Birding or local operators. Bring quality binoculars and field guides. Best months are November-March when migratory species are present alongside residents.

Fantale Volcano Climbing

Challenge yourself with a climb up the dormant Fantale volcano, rising 2,007 meters above sea level and offering panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley. The moderate to challenging hike takes 4-6 hours round trip through diverse volcanic landscapes and provides excellent opportunities for photography and geological observation. The crater rim offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

Booking Tip: Arrange climbs through park rangers for safety, costing $20-30 including guide fees. Start very early (4-5 AM) to avoid midday heat. Essential gear includes plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and proper hiking boots. Check weather conditions as strong winds can occur at the summit.

Cultural Village Visits

Experience the traditional lifestyle of local Afar and Oromo pastoralist communities who have coexisted with wildlife for generations. Learn about traditional cattle and goat herding practices, sample local foods, and understand how these communities adapt to the harsh semi-arid environment. Visits provide insights into sustainable living practices and cultural preservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Arrange community visits through park authorities or cultural tourism organizations for $15-25 per person, with fees supporting local communities. Respect local customs and photography restrictions. Best combined with wildlife activities for a full cultural and natural experience.

Getting There

Awash National Park is located approximately 225 kilometers east of Addis Ababa along the main highway to Djibouti, making it one of Ethiopia's most accessible national parks. The journey by road takes about 3-4 hours via the well-maintained asphalt highway through Nazret (Adama). Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators or rent 4WD vehicles in Addis Ababa, though regular buses and minibuses run to nearby Awash town. The park entrance is clearly marked and accessible by regular vehicles, though 4WD is recommended for internal park roads and during rainy season.

Getting Around

Within Awash National Park, a 4WD vehicle is essential for accessing most wildlife viewing areas and attractions, as park roads are unpaved and can be challenging during wet conditions. Game drive vehicles can be rented at the park headquarters or arranged through lodges, typically including a driver-guide. Walking is permitted in designated areas but requires a park ranger escort for safety. The park covers a large area, so plan full or half-day excursions to specific zones, with the main wildlife areas concentrated around the Awash River and its tributaries.

Where to Stay

Awash National Park Lodge
Kereyou Lodge
Awash Falls Lodge
Genet Hotel Awash
Buffet Camping Site
Private Bush Camps

Food & Dining

Dining options within Awash National Park are limited to lodge restaurants and basic local establishments in nearby Awash town, serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine including injera with various stews, grilled meats, and vegetarian dishes. Most lodges offer set menus featuring both Ethiopian and international dishes, with advance notice required for special dietary requirements. Pack snacks and drinks for game drives, as there are no facilities within the park itself. The nearby town of Awash Station has several local restaurants serving authentic Afar and Oromo cuisine, offering an opportunity to experience regional specialties like camel meat dishes and traditional dairy products.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ethiopia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Cravings Restaurant & Bar

4.6 /5
(2395 reviews)
bar

Golden Plate Restaurant | Bole | ጎልደን ፕሌት ሬስቶራንት | ቦሌ

4.7 /5
(570 reviews)

Louvre Grand Hotel & Restaurant

4.5 /5
(324 reviews)
lodging

Atmosphere

4.5 /5
(224 reviews)
art_gallery bar

Vaccari Italian Restaurant

4.5 /5
(220 reviews)

Belvedere Restaurant

4.5 /5
(216 reviews)

When to Visit

The best time to visit Awash National Park is during the dry season from October to May, when wildlife congregates around water sources, making game viewing more predictable and roads more accessible. November through February offers the most comfortable weather with cooler temperatures and clear skies, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. March to May can be very hot but offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather near the Awash River. The wet season (June-September) brings lush landscapes and bird migration but can make some areas inaccessible due to muddy roads, though this period offers unique photographic opportunities and fewer crowds.

Insider Tips

Visit the hot springs near Filwoha for a unique geological experience and potential wildlife sightings, especially early morning when animals come to drink
Bring a good pair of binoculars even if you're not primarily interested in birding, as they greatly enhance wildlife viewing and help spot animals at distance
Respect the local Afar and Oromo communities by asking permission before photographing people or their livestock, and consider purchasing local handicrafts to support community tourism initiatives

Explore Activities in Awash National Park