Things to do in Awash, Ethiopia

Leave the city’s bustling streets for Wenchi Crater Lake, and enjoy the serenity of rolling farmland, lush valleys and waterfalls on a full-day tour from Addis Ababa to the heart of an extinct volcano. Walk or ride a 2.5-mile (4-km) trail to the edge of the lake, passing green fields and small villages. Take in views of the lake shore from a peaceful dock, with the chance to hike or ride a mule along the shore, or set out by boat to explore the lake’s small islands. We will pick up after breakfast and then head west on the new Ambo road. We will pass Menagesha Forest to the north of the road, the Holetta River (a tributary of the Awash), and the small town of Addis Alem, where Menelik II once planned to make his capital, before reaching Ambo, some 120 km from the capital. The area between Addis Alem and Ambo contains the intersections of three of Ethiopia’s major river basins: those of the Awash, Omo, and Guder.We will stop for some refreshment in the town of Ambo, from where Ethiopia’s most famous mineral water is drawn, before driving up nearly 1000 meters (27 km) to the rim of the Wonchi crater, where visitors will see one of the most beautiful sites in Ethiopia: verdant forests and a lake with islands, all within the crater. We can leave our vehicles here and descend either on foot or on horse, or drive down all the way to the crater. We will have a picnic lunch here and spend some hours walking or horseback riding through the forest, visiting the hot springs, and taking a dug-out boat over to the island to visit the church. In midafternoon, we will start our journey back to Addis Ababa.

Day 01 Drive Addis Ababa to Awash National Park Welcome to Ethiopia, On arrival we will meet you at the airport or ant hotel at Addis Ababa then we will be driving to you 225 kilometres east of Addis Ababa with its southern boundary along the Awash River and the park covers 756 square kilometres of acacia woodland and grassland. In the south of the park the Awash River gorge has amazing waterfalls. In the upper Kudu Valley at Filwoha are hot springs amid groves of palm trees. In the park will have a chance to see the local wildlife, such as oryx, baboons, greater and lesser kudu, warthogs, gazelles, Columbus monkeys. The landscapes in the park are beautiful, looking over the Awash Gorge. Today you can drive deep into the park, near the hot springs. Day 02 Drive Awash to Addis Ababa and Departure After breakfast we will be driving back to Addis Ababa. On arrival at Addis Ababa you will have a chance of shopping. Later you will be transferred to the airport or hotel.

Mount Furi is located at a distance of 19km South West of Addis Ababa. It is one of the highest peaks around Addis Ababa with the area reaching as high as 2900m above sea level. The mountain is accessible to the top for mountain hikers on foot or by 4 wheel and minibus drive The mountain provides the following considerable attractions: excellent panoramic view of the surrounding area including Addis Ababa & Sebeta with watching the remarkable valleys of lower Awash rivers Mount Furi is also the best destinations for physical activity while catching a stunning bird’s eye view of the city and inhaling fresh air on the summit. Escape the city's polluted air, and come breath fresh oxygen on Mount Furi After we had our lunch in the summit of Mount Furi we will be heading to the small villages of Gedamba(a village that Oromo tribes & Gurage tribes lives in harmony with the other Ethiopian peoples like Amhara)We will visit one of grass houses and its beautiful gardens & you will get an experiences to make the local drinks like coffee, Tella ,Injera Later we will be heading to our vehicles to be transferred to your hotel in Addis Ababa or airport.

Embark on a full-day excursion from Addis Abeba to the center of an extinct volcano and see the tranquility of rolling farms, verdant valleys, and waterfalls as you depart from the hustle and bustle of the city to Wenchi Crater Lake. You may reach the lake's shore on foot or by bike along a path that winds its way through verdant fields and quaint towns for 2.5 miles (4 km). Enjoy serene dockside views of the lakeshore while hiking or riding a mule along the coast or setting off on a boat tour of the lake's few islets. After breakfast, we'll get back on the road and continue west on the brand-new Ambo route. On our way to Ambo, which is about 120 km away from the capital, we will go through Menagesha Forest on the north side of the road, the Holetta River (which is a branch of the Awash), and the little village of Addis Alem. Three of Ethiopia's main river basins—the Awash, the Omo, and the Guder—intersect in the region between Addis Alem and Ambo. We will stop for refreshments in the town of Ambo, the source of Ethiopia’s most renowned mineral water, before heading up approximately 1000 meters (27 km) to the rim of the Wonchi crater. From there, guests will be able to witness one of the most stunning sights in Ethiopia, including green woods and a lake with islands. We have the option to abandon our cars here and descend on foot or horseback, or we may drive down to the crater. After enjoying a picnic lunch, we will explore the surrounding forest on foot or horseback. We will stop at the hot springs and take a dug-out boat to the island to see the church. Our return to Addis Ababa will commence in the middle of the day.

Day 1: From Addis abeba drive to Awash National park 211k via Adama/Nazret Our Driver & Guide Will Pick up from the hotel is at 7:30AM and we then set off to join the Express Way, which will get us to Adama, formerly Nazereth, in about an hour. We will stop en route at Beseka Lake, home to many water birds, including Striated (or Green-backed) and Black-headed Herons, Red-billed Teal, White-backed and Maccoa Ducks, and Common Crane. Depending on how long we stop for birding en route, the 211 km drive will take about 4-5 hours. For accommodation we have the following choices; Hotel in Awash Town with Ac avilable ,Camping or Doho Lodge, a hot spring resort some 20 km from Awash town. There is a lake there, and hot water pools. Driving from the park gate toward the Awash river we can expect to see some mammals, such as Beisa Oryx, Klipspringer, Hamadryas and Anubis baboons, Salt’s Dikidik, Grivet Monkey and others. As the temperature subsides in the late afternoon, we can do a game drive. In addition to the species mentioned above, we may see, Soemmerring’s Gazelle, lesser and greater Kudus, Warthogs, Defarsa waterbuck, Colobus and Grivet monkeys, Black-Backed and Golden Jackals, Caracals, Servals, Wildcats, and if we are lucky Leopards and Lions. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in Awash National Park. The terrain is mostly a mosaic of grassland and acacia scrub but the Awash River flows through the area and supports some riverine forest in places. Day 2: After an early morning game drive , we exit the park and drive east, crossing the main road and head towards Filwuha Hot Spring. This is a hot springs oasis where luxuriant vegetation flourishes in the midst of a lava desert that is home to the rare, restricted-range Sombre Rock Chat, which favours old lava flows. and some other bird life. In the cliffs behind the springs are colonies of Hamdryas baboons. The hot springs are crystal clear, and extremely hot – better to get in early morning or late afternoon. after those activities we drive back have a lunch in Adama or Nazret town then back to Addis for your international flight or back to your hotel and End of the tour.

Embark on a 2-day adventure through Awash National Park and the Debre Zeit Crater Lakes. Take a game drive in Awash National Park, relax in the mineral-rich waters of the Doho Lodge hot springs, and take a boat trip on one of the Debre Zeit Crater Lakes. Day 1: Addis Ababa - Awash National Park - Doho Lodge Start your journey in the morning, around 9:00 AM, as you drive from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours, passing through the towns of Debre Zeit, Mojo, and Nazret, offering picturesque views of the Ethiopian highlands. Stop for lunch in the small town of Awash, where you can enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine while taking in the local atmosphere. After lunch, continue your drive to Doho Lodge, located inside Awash National Park, where you'll spend the night. The lodge is known for its stunning views of the park and the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, take time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty around you. The lodge also offers a chance to unwind at the Hot Springs, where you can bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters, a perfect way to relax after the day’s travel. As evening falls, enjoy a beautiful sunset over the park, offering a fantastic photo opportunity. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you can enjoy local dishes while soaking in the peaceful surroundings of the park. Overnight stay at Doho Lodge. Day 2: Awash National Park - Debre Zeit Crater Lakes - Addis Ababa After an early breakfast at the lodge, begin your day with a morning drive to Awash National Park for a game drive. Awash is home to a variety of wildlife, including Oryx, Swine’s Hartebeest, Bushbucks, Olive Baboons, and Crocodiles, which can be found near the Awash River and falls. The park is also known for its over 450 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Keep your eyes open for the beautiful Lappet-faced Vultures and the rare Sofala Weavers. After the game drive, return to the vehicle and begin your journey back to Addis Ababa. On the way, you will visit the Debre Zeit Crater Lakes, which are known for their stunning beauty and peaceful surroundings. Make a stop at Bishoftu Lake and Hora Lake, where you can enjoy a short trek around the lakeside and take in the natural scenery. For a more immersive experience, you will also take a boat trip on one of the lakes, providing a unique perspective of the landscape and the chance to spot local wildlife. In the afternoon, continue your drive back to Addis Ababa, where you will arrive in the late afternoon.