Awash National Park: A Rift Valley Oasis

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Explore Ethiopia's Awash National Park: a diverse landscape of wildlife, volcanic formations, and hot springs, just a few hours from Addis Ababa.

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Awash National Park

Established in 1966, Awash National Park is a protected area in Ethiopia known for its diverse wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and the Awash River. It offers a blend of savannah plains, acacia woodlands, and unique geological features.

A brief summary to Awash National Park

32M2+82J, Didiga, ET
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Local tips

Visit during the dry season (October to March) for optimal wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities.
Hire a local guide to enhance your experience and gain valuable insights into the park's flora, fauna, and geological features.
Respect the local culture and customs of the Afar and Kereyu people.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Hawaash Park

Discover the Serenity of Hawaash Park

Awash Waterfall

Awash Waterfall: Nature's Majestic Cascade

Artu Bulga / Bulga Volcanic Hot springs

Discover the Serenity of Artu Bulga: A Volcanic Oasis

Getting There

Car

Awash National Park is approximately 225 km east of Addis Ababa. The most common way to reach the park is by driving along the Addis Ababa - Djibouti highway. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially for visiting the northern part of the park, including the hot springs. Car rentals are available in Addis Ababa. Expect to pay around $14-20 for fuel.
Public Transport

Public buses are available from Addis Ababa to the town of Awash, located on the outskirts of the park. From Awash town, you can hire a special taxi to enter the park or arrange for your lodge to pick you up. The cost of the bus is approximately 150-300 ETB. A taxi from Awash town to the park entrance will cost around 500-800 ETB.

Discover more about Awash National Park

Awash National Park, established in 1966, stands as a testament to Ethiopia's commitment to conservation. Located 225 kilometers east of Addis Ababa, the park spans 827 square kilometers across the southern tip of the Afar Region and the northeastern corner of the East Shewa Zone of Oromia. The Addis Ababa - Dire Dawa highway cuts through the park, dividing the Illala Saha Plains from the Kudu Valley. The park's landscape is a captivating mix of acacia woodland and grassland, showcasing the beauty of the Rift Valley floor. The Awash River forms the park's southern boundary, carving out a dramatic gorge with stunning waterfalls. Within the Kudu Valley, Filwoha boasts hot springs surrounded by palm groves, creating a unique oasis. Dominating the western part of the park is Mount Fentale, a dormant stratovolcano rising to 2,007 meters, with hyena caves in its foothills. Awash National Park is home to over 81 species of mammals and 43 species of reptiles. Common sightings include Beisa oryxes, Soemmerring's gazelles, and various primates like Olive baboons and grivets. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park's rich avian diversity, with nearly 500 species recorded. The park's diverse ecosystems, including arid Acacia woodlands, thorned bushlands, grazing savannas, and riverine wetlands, provide habitats for a wide array of species. Visitors can explore the park through a network of well-maintained tracks, with guided tours recommended for a more enriching experience. Popular activities include hiking to the Awash Falls, trekking through the Ilala Sala plains, and bird watching. The park also offers opportunities to engage with local communities, such as the Kereyu and Afar tribes, to learn about their culture and traditions.