Awash National Park

Pros & Cons

• Dry-country wildlife
• Great birding
• Very accessible en route from Addis to Harar
• Scenic highlights
• Mt Fentale climb available
• Low wildlife densities
• Human encroachment

Wildlife

Awash National Park was established to protect the dry-country wildlife of the area including beisa oryx, Salt's dik-dik and Soemmerring’s gazelle. Olive baboons are common, but more interesting are the localized white-maned hamadryas baboons. Spend an afternoon at the hot springs and you might see them drinking before heading to the cliffs to groom and settle for the night.

• More about Awash's wildlife

Scenery

The park is characterized by open grassland with pockets of acacia scrub. The dusty plains are interrupted by the Awash River, which plunges down several waterfalls before carving through a deep gorge. The clear pools of the Filwoha Hot Springs, surrounded by doum palm trees, attract animals looking for water and shade. Mount Fentale towers over the landscape, and 200-year-old lava flows give testament to its last activity.

Weather & Climate

The weather in Awash National Park is generally hot and dry. There is a short Wet season from July to September. Temperatures are quite consistent throughout the year. Days are hot at about 32°C/90°F, but peak temperatures can be much higher. Nights cool down to an average of 18°C/64°F.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Awash National Park is from October to February when it is dry and temperatures are a bit cooler. March to June is also a good time to visit but July and August can be a bit wet and July can be scorching hot. However, May to August is the low season and you might just have the place to yourself, and slightly lower rates will apply.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Awash NP?

• Awash Safaris and Tours
• Tour Operators for Awash