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Awash NP Safari - Compare 134 Tours

3.0/5  –  3 Awash Safari Reviews

The closest national park to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Awash was gazetted in 1966 to protect a volcanic landscape dominated by Mt Fentale, which rises to 2,007m/6,585ft above the low-lying Rift Valley floor. It is named after the Awash River, which is fringed by forest as it flows east along the park’s southern boundary. In its early days, Awash supported all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), but the only surviving representatives of this quintet are lion and leopard, both of which are rare. Despite this, it remains a rewarding niche safari destination, and a good place to see the localized Beisa oryx and hamadryas baboon, along with other dry-country antelope and birds.

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5 Questions About Awash National Park Safaris

1. Which animals can I see in Awash National Park?
2. What are the other attractions of Awash National Park?
3. How long is the drive from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park?
4. What are the options for accommodations in Awash National Park?
5. What other destinations can be combined with Awash National Park?
 
 

5 Questions About Awash National Park Safaris

Answered by Philip Briggs

Which animals can I see in Awash National Park?

“The mammal checklist for Awash National Park totals 81 species, but many of the large creatures associated with an African safari are now absent or scarce. Several types of dry-country antelope are present. The striking Beisa oryx, localized Soemmerring’s gazelle and tiny Salt’s dik-dik are quite common in open country, while defassa waterbuck, greater kudu and lesser kudu are more likely to be seen near the Awash River or Filwoha Hot Springs. Other wildlife includes warthog, vervet monkey, black-and-white colobus and the maned hamadryas baboon, which here hybridizes with the more widespread olive baboon. Spotted hyenas are quite regularly seen at a den on the slopes of Fentale, but the status of other large carnivores such as lion, leopard and cheetah is uncertain. The likes of elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe and plains zebra are historically absent or locally extinct. However, game drives into the nearby Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve come with a small chance of seeing two very rare equids: the heavyweight Grevy’s zebra and Critically Endangered (that is, facing the highest risk of becoming extinct in the wild) African wild ass. Awash National Park is an essential addition to any bird-watching holiday in Ethiopia. At least 460 species have been recorded, and it is an excellent place to look for the likes of Arabian bustard, Abyssinian roller and northern carmine bee-eater. Mt Fentale (specifically its upper slopes) is one of only two sites where the yellow-throated serin, a very rare species found only in Ethiopia, is regularly seen.”

1

What are the other attractions of Awash National Park?

“Awash National Park is a very scenic destination. The landscape is dominated by the distinctive outline of Mt Fentale, whose steep slopes, strewn with black volcanic rubble, lead down to pretty Lake Beseka. Also on the mountain’s footslopes, the searing Filwoha Hot Springs feed a series of beautiful pools shaded by groves of palm trees. Another scenic highlight is the Awash Falls, which stands on the namesake river as it runs along the park’s southern boundary, and the immense gorge into which the waterfall plunges.”

2

How long is the drive from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park?

“Depending on where you enter Awash National Park and where you will be staying, the distance from Addis Ababa is between 190km/118mi and 250km/155mi. The driving time is 3 to 4 hours, assuming you take the relatively fast Addis Ababa–Adama Expressway as far as Adama (Nazret). Be warned, however, that many Ethiopian drivers prefer to use the older road through Akaki, Bishoftu and Mojo in order to save on toll fees. This single-lane road can be very congested and typically adds at least an hour to the trip in either direction.”

3

What are the options for accommodations in Awash National Park?

“There are some attractive options in or around Awash National Park. If you want to stay inside or right on the boundary of the park, there are two choices: Kuriftu Resort & Spa Awash Falls overlooks the geographic feature for which it is named, while Doho Lodge & Hot Springs is set alongside a lovely pool fed by natural hot springs. It is also possible to stay overnight in the small towns of Metehara or Awash, which are bisected by the main road between Addis Ababa and Harar, and lie on the western and eastern park boundary respectively. Of the two, Awash has the better choice of accommodations, all of it very budget-friendly. This includes the attractively run-down Buffet d’Aouache, a colonial-style landmark that was built in the early 20th century to service the Djibouti Railway. It once hosted the likes of Emperor Haile Selassie and France’s President de Gaulle.”

4

What other destinations can be combined with Awash National Park?

“Awash National Park is bisected by the main road connecting Addis Ababa to the historic walled Muslim city of Harar. These places are easily combined on a 4- to 5-day road tour out of Addis Ababa, with the option of flying back from Dire Dawa (a large city only an hour’s drive from Harar). Awash National Park also makes a great first stop on a road safari from Addis Ababa to the Danakil Desert. This is the lowest point on the African continent, dropping to 116m/380ft below sea level. It’s also the site of Erta Ale, a climbable active volcano with a permanent lava pool in its crater. Most bird-watching tours to Ethiopia include Awash National Park as part of a circuit that also incorporates the likes of Ankober, Bale Mountains National Park, Yabelo and the southern Rift Valley lakes.”

5

Awash Safari Reviews

3.0/5 3 Reviews
Expert
Ariadne van Zandbergen  –  
South Africa ZA

Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer whose work is featured in many well-known guidebooks and magazines.

Dry country animals on the banks of the Awash River
3/5

This little-known but scenic park is more than worth a visit. There isn’t a lot of wildlife, but I enjoyed seeing dry-country specials such as Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle and the rare Hamadryas baboon. The park is particularly...

Full Review

Expert
Philip Briggs  –  
South Africa ZA

Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.

A compelling volcanic landscape
3/5

Set in the heart of the Rift Valley east of Addis Ababa, Awash National Park protects a starkly magnificent volcanic landscape bisected by the Awash River and an associated ribbon of riparian woodland. It is a very scenic park in its own...

Full Review

All 3 Awash Safari Reviews