Awash National Park Safari

Drive from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park, Ethiopia's oldest national park established in 1966. The journey takes about 3-4 hours through changing landscapes. Enter the park and begin wildlife viewing immediately - the park is known for its populations of Beisa oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle, and greater and lesser kudus. Drive to the Awash River gorge viewpoint for dramatic views of the river cutting through volcanic rock. Check into lodge accommodation within the park. Afternoon game drive looking for wildlife including baboons, warthogs, and various antelope species. Evening sundowner at a viewpoint overlooking the park.

Early morning game drive when wildlife is most active, searching for predators such as striped hyena, serval, and possibly leopard (though rarely seen). Look for the park's special mammals including hamadryas baboons, colobus monkeys, and dik-diks. Visit the Filwoha Hot Springs, a series of natural hot springs surrounded by doum palms - a perfect spot for a refreshing dip. Explore the Fentalle Volcano area, with the opportunity to walk on the crater rim (depending on conditions). Afternoon focus on birdwatching - Awash has over 400 bird species including the rare Salvadori's seedeater. Evening night drive (if available and permitted) to look for nocturnal species.

Morning visit to Kereyu cultural village on the park boundary to learn about the traditional pastoralist lifestyle of the Kereyu people, who have coexisted with wildlife in this area for centuries. See traditional housing, learn about cattle culture, and possibly witness traditional dancing. Return to park for final wildlife viewing or specific target species you haven't yet seen. Begin return journey to Addis Ababa, stopping for lunch at a traditional restaurant en route. Arrive in Addis Ababa in the afternoon, with transfer to airport for evening flights or to hotel for extended stay.