Wildlife, Waterfalls & Volcanic Landscapes
Escape into Ethiopia’s Rift Valley for wildlife drives, dramatic volcanic scenery, the Awash River Gorge and the spectacular Awash Falls.
If the Danakil is Ethiopia at its most extreme and Bale is Ethiopia at its highest, Awash National Park offers a completely different experience.
Here the landscape opens into acacia savanna, volcanic plains, river valleys and waterfalls.
The park is home to wildlife including beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, greater kudu, olive baboons and hamadryas baboons, while more than 450 bird species have been recorded in the park.
It is also an excellent choice for travelers who want a nature experience without committing to a long expedition or demanding multi-day trek.
🦓 Tour at a Glance
| Tour Type | Private Wildlife & Nature Tour |
| Region | Rift Valley / Afar-Oromia |
| Travel Style | Wildlife · Nature · Photography · Adventure |
| Main Highlights | Awash Falls · Awash River Gorge · Wildlife · Hot Springs · Volcanic Landscapes |
| Duration | Flexible |
| Best For | Families · Couples · Wildlife lovers · Photographers |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Why Visit Awash National Park?
🦌 Wildlife
Explore open savanna and woodland looking for:
- Beisa oryx
- Soemmerring’s gazelle
- Greater kudu
- Olive baboons
- Hamadryas baboons
- Warthogs
- Other Rift Valley wildlife
Wildlife is generally most active during the cooler parts of the day.
💦 Awash Falls
One of the park’s defining landmarks is Awash Falls, where the Awash River plunges dramatically through the landscape.
The surrounding gorge creates excellent viewpoints for photography and nature observation.
🌋 Volcanic Landscapes
Awash sits within a geologically active part of the Ethiopian Rift.
The landscape combines:
Volcanic plains + lava formations + acacia woodland + river valleys.
It’s one of the easiest ways to experience Ethiopia’s geological diversity without traveling all the way to the Danakil.
♨️ Hot Springs
Depending on the route and local conditions, the itinerary can include the area’s hot springs.
Relax after a day of exploring the park and enjoy the contrast between the dry Rift Valley landscape and naturally heated water.
Your Awash Journey
Day 1 — Addis Ababa → Awash National Park
Into the Rift Valley
Leave Addis Ababa and travel east toward Awash.
As you descend from the central highlands, the landscape gradually becomes warmer and drier.
Arrive at the park and check into your accommodation.
After lunch, begin your first wildlife drive.
Look for:
🦌 Oryx
🦌 Gazelles
🦌 Kudu
🐒 Baboons
🐗 Warthogs
🐦 Birds
Keep your camera ready.
The landscape itself is part of the attraction.
Overnight: Awash National Park area
Day 2 — Wildlife Drive & Awash Falls
Explore the Park
Start early.
The cooler morning hours are ideal for wildlife observation.
Travel through different parts of the park with your guide and stop at scenic viewpoints.
Your guide will help identify wildlife and explain the park’s ecology.
💦 Awash Falls
Continue toward the Awash River Gorge and Awash Falls.
The river cuts through the volcanic landscape before dropping dramatically into the gorge.
Spend time at the viewpoints and enjoy the scenery.
Perfect for:
📷 Photography
🥾 Short walks
🌄 Scenic views
🦅 Birdwatching
Day 3 — Hot Springs & Return Journey
A Relaxed Final Morning
Enjoy a final morning in the park.
Depending on your itinerary, visit the hot springs or take another short wildlife drive.
The park’s official visitor information lists wildlife viewing, trekking, photography, birdwatching and hot-spring visits among its activities.
After lunch, begin the journey back toward Addis Ababa.
Want to Stay Longer?
Awash works particularly well as part of a larger Ethiopian itinerary.
Add Harar
Continue east and experience the historic walled city.
Add Dire Dawa
Explore eastern Ethiopia’s distinctive city and railway heritage.
Add Bishoftu
Relax around the volcanic crater lakes before returning to Addis.
Add More Wildlife
Combine Awash with another Ethiopian national park for a broader wildlife itinerary.
Add Cultural Experiences
Include local communities and traditional experiences along the route.
What Is Included?
Depending on your selected package:
✓ Private transportation
✓ Professional driver
✓ Local guide
✓ Accommodation
✓ Park entrance fees
✓ Wildlife drives
✓ Awash Falls visit
✓ Hot spring visit where included
✓ Airport/hotel pickup and drop-off
✓ Meals according to the agreed itinerary
✓ Bottled water during the journey
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases
- Tips
- Optional activities
- Additional accommodation
- Services not specifically listed
What to Bring
For Awash, prepare for a warmer environment.
☀️ Sunscreen
🧢 Hat
🕶️ Sunglasses
💧 Water bottle
👟 Comfortable shoes
📷 Camera
🦟 Insect repellent
🎒 Lightweight daypack
The park recommends sun protection and carrying water, and wildlife is particularly active early in the day.
Best For
Families
A relatively accessible wildlife experience without demanding trekking.
Couples
A good combination of nature, scenery and relaxation.
Photographers
Wildlife, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and birdlife.
First-Time Safari Travelers
An easy introduction to Ethiopia’s wildlife.
Travelers Short on Time
Awash can be incorporated into a shorter itinerary from Addis Ababa.
More Than a Wildlife Drive
Awash isn’t simply about spotting animals.
It’s the combination of:
Savanna.
Volcanic landscapes.
The Awash River.
Waterfalls.
Wildlife.
And the wide-open Rift Valley.
That combination makes it one of the most accessible nature escapes from Addis Ababa.
📞 +251 91 338 4298
📧 info@landscapeethiopiatour.com
🌐 landscapeethiopiatour.com
