Awash National Park rarely appears on the shortlists of first time Ethiopia visitors, but ask any wildlife guide in Addis Ababa where they would take a single free day for game viewing, and most will say Awash without hesitation. This underrated Ethiopia wildlife destination sits just 225 kilometres east of the capital in the Afar zone, offering a completely different ecological zone from the highlands dry acacia bush, volcanic crater lakes, and the dramatic Awash Gorge with genuinely excellent wildlife and over 450 recorded bird species.
Wildlife in Awash National Park
The park's diverse habitats from the riverine forest along the Awash River to the open volcanic plains and the acacia savanna support a wide range of mammals. The star species are the Beisa Oryx, an impressively horned antelope at home in the semi arid landscape; the Grevy's Zebra, the largest and most endangered of the zebra species; and the Somali Ostrich, identifiable by the blue grey skin of the males (rather than the pink of the common ostrich). Defassa Waterbuck, Salt's Dik dik, Soemmering's Gazelle, and Hamadryas Baboons are all commonly seen.
The Awash Gorge, where the Awash River plunges into a spectacular canyon near the park's eastern edge, is one of the most dramatic geological features in Ethiopia. The viewpoint above the falls offers both stunning scenery and excellent raptor watching Lappet faced Vulture, Verreaux's Eagle, and various falcons are regularly seen on the thermals.
Birdwatching at Awash
Awash is one of the premier birding destinations in Ethiopia, holding a completely different species community from the highland parks. Arid country specialists Arabian Bustard, Abyssinian Roller, Ethiopian Bee eater, Carmine Bee eater colonies along the river banks, and a remarkable variety of hornbills make Awash essential for any serious birding itinerary. The riverine forest is particularly productive in the morning hours.
- Best time to visit: October through March comfortable temperatures and good wildlife visibility
- Access: 3 to4 hours by road from Addis Ababa; accessible as an overnight or a day trip with an early start
- Game drives: Best in the early morning (6 to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 to 7 p.m.)
- Accommodation: Range from simple lodges inside the park to more comfortable options at nearby Awash town
- Combine with: Harar and Dire Dawa for a 4 to 5 day eastern Ethiopia circuit
The Hot Springs and Lake Beseka
Within the park, the Filwoha Hot Springs provide a genuine oasis a cluster of palm shaded thermal pools at around 38°C where doum palms and fever trees surround steaming, clear water pools. It is a surreal and beautiful spot for a mid afternoon break during a game drive. Nearby, Lake Beseka a saline volcanic crater lake that has been dramatically expanding in size over recent decades attracts large numbers of waterbirds including flamingos, pelicans, and shorebirds.
The Awash National Park day and overnight tour from Yama is one of our most consistently well reviewed itineraries short enough for time pressed visitors, rich enough to feel genuinely complete. It fits naturally into the broader eastern Ethiopia tour packages that continue to Harar and Dire Dawa. Contact us to book or to incorporate Awash into a longer Ethiopian itinerary.
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