Things to do in Awash National Park

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.

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.

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.

Early morning, depart Addis Ababa, driving south through the Rift Valley, then east to the Awash National Park. Lunch in the park, followed by some rest time. In the afternoon, take a short game drive through the Ilala Sala Plain in the southern part of the Park. This offers a chance to see the local wildlife, such as oryx, baboons, kudu, warthogs, gazelles and colubus monkeys. There will also be a opportunity to visit the Awash River Falls – a water fall described as a “scaled-down version of Victoria Falls Take a slight detour to refresh at the Sodere complex of natural hot spring waters. Sodere lies alongside the Awash River and features lush, shady vegetation. Vervet monkeys live on the resort grounds. Crocodiles and, less frequently, hippos may be seen in the nearby Awash River. After lunch, continue on the journey back to Addis Ababa.

Day 1 Arrival Awash National Park Morning: Depart from Addis Ababa around 7:00 AM. The drive takes approximately 4 hours, passing through the scenic Ethiopian countryside. Midday: Arrive at Awash National Park and check into your lodge. Enjoy a hearty lunch featuring local and international cuisine. Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive through the park's diverse ecosystems, including savannah, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests. Spot wildlife such as Beisa oryx, gazelles, baboons, and various bird species. Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner. Optional: Participate in a night safari to observe nocturnal animals and the starry African sky, Overnight stay Awash Falls Lodge. Day 2 wildlife and scenic Exploration Morning: Start with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators like lions and leopards, as well as a variety of bird species. Midday: Visit the spectacular Awash Falls, where the Awash River plunges into a deep gorge. Enjoy the scenic beauty and take photos. Afternoon: Go on a guided hike along the trails of the park. Explore the park’s rich biodiversity and enjoy bird watching, with over 450 bird species recorded in the park. Overnight stay Doho Lodge & Hot Springs. Day 3 Final exploration and return to Addis Ababa Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. Embark on a final game drive to capture any last wildlife sightings and scenic views. Midday: Visit the Filwoha Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural thermal waters, surrounded by lush vegetation. Afternoon: Have lunch at the lodge before departure. Begin your journey back to Addis Ababa in the early afternoon. Arrive back in Addis Ababa by early evening, with drop-off at your hotel.

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, drive to Geferssa Reservoir. Look out for endemic birds such as the Wattle Ibis, Rouget’s Rail, black-headed Sis-kin, Abyssinian Long claw, the white-collared pigeon, and Blue-winged Goose. Day 2: Start early for Debre-Libanos Monastery, about 110 km north of the capital. Look out for birds such as the Red-rumpled and Lesser-striped Swallows, Pectoral-patched Cist cola, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, common Buzzard, and Black-winged Lapwing. Around the monastery, spot endemic birds like the Black-headed Forest Oriole, Banded Barbet, the White-billed Starling, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Rappel’s chat, the White-backed Black Tit, and Abyssinian slaty Flycatcher. Day 3: Leave Addis Ababa for Awash National Park. Stop at Chalalklaka wetland near Debre-Zeit. Look out for birds such as the White-backed Duck, Tufted Duck, little stint, Ruff, African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed stork, Common and crowned cranes, White-winged Black Tern, and others. Day 4: Spend the day bird-watching in Awash National Park. Look out for birds such as the Arabian Bustard, Kori Bustard, White-bellied Bustard, Buff crested Bustard, the Rosy-patched Shrike, Swallow-tailed Kite, Bristle Crowned Starling, different woodpeckers, Grey-headed and Sulpher breasted Bush-Shrike, Gabar Goshawk, Shirk, Crested Francolin, Common Quail, Harlequin Quail, Palm Swift, Orange-bellied Parrot, Martial Eagle, different wood Doves, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Crested Lark, Singing Bush Lark, Redwing Bush Lark, Somali Golden-breasted Bunting, Little Rock Thrush, Grey-headed Batis, and Spotted Flycatcher. Day 5: Drive to Langano. Before lunch, stop at Koka Dam (Awash River Bridge) for more aquatic and woodland birds. Continue to Lake Zeway where you stop for lunch and an afternoon of bird-watching. Day 6: Spend the morning bird-watching around the hotel garden and the cliff near the lake. After breakfast, drive to the Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park for more bird-watching. Day 7: Spend the day bird-watching in the forest of Wondo Genet. Look out for endemic birds like the Yellow-fronted Parrot, Thick-billed Raven, Abyssinian Woodpecker, and Banded Barbet. Day 8: Set off for Lake Awassa. Look out for birds such as the spotted creeper, African pygmy kingfisher, Bruce’s Green pigeon, Violet-backed Starling, Grey Kestrel, Giant Kingfisher, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Tree pipit, Allen’s Gallenue, Lesser Moorhen, Painted Snipe, Lesser Swamp Warbler, Grey kingfisher, Banded snake Eagle, the African and common snipe, purple and Goliath Heron, Greater Honey Guide, Grosbeak weaver, Red-breasted Wryneck, African Harrier Hawk, and Greater spotted Eagle. Day 9: Drive back to Addis Ababa. En route, look for the species that haven’t been seen in the previous days of the trip. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Addis Ababa. Day 10: Departure – Fly Back Home.