A semi-arid landscape of dry acacia woodland and savannah, the scenic, 756-square-kilometre Awash National Park was set aside in 1996 to protect the gaping Awash River Gorge. On its northern horizon, Mount Fantalle is a dormant volcano whose sheer walls are set around a deep caldera pockmarked with active steam vents. Other landmarks include the impressive Awash Falls at the head of the gorge, the palm-fringed pools of Filwoha Hot Springs, and the shallow, boulder-strewn Lake Beseka to the southwest of the park.
Wildlife is relatively scarce and skittish. The most conspicuous large mammals are baboon (both hamadryas and Anubis), beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and Salt’s dik-dik. Predators are very seldom seen but spotted hyena and black-backed jackal are present, and lion and cheetah might occasionally venture through. Awash is a superb birding destination, with at least 450 species recorded. Fantalle is the best place in Ethiopia to look for the endemic yellow-throated seedeater and somber rock chat, though of greater interest to casual visitors are the waterbirds associated with Lake Beseka and colorful savannah species such as Abyssinian roller and northern carmine bee-eater.
The park lies 190km east of Addis Ababa, and is bisected by the main road to Dire Dawa and flanked by the small towns of METEHARA to the southwest, close to Lake Beseka, and AWASH SABA to the east. Set on the edge of the Awash Gorge, Awash Saba hosts a busy Monday market that attracts hordes of traditional Afar people.
Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport (Google Map)
Expected departure at 10:50 AM
Head out early for Awash National Park.– You pass Lake Beseka, which has expanded over the last decade, requiring the Djibouti-Addis Ababa railway line to be raised on several occasions. Continue past the entrance to Awash National Park towards Assab and the lodge at Bilen. Outside the park, this habitat contains grassland, savannah and wetlands.
There are over 450 species of birds found in this savannah grassland, including the Abyssinian Roller, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, Endemic White Tailed Swallow, Buff Created Bustard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Honey Guide, Woodland Kingfisher, and many, many more!–Enjoy the vibrant and varied wildlife while exploring this gorgeous national treasure. Even inexperienced birders will be impressed by the beauty, variety and abundance of spectacular species in this inviting habitat. Be on the lookout for the Beisa Oryx and Swayne’s hartebeest, among the 46 species of mammals recorded in the park.
Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Lodge
Today is a full-day safari looking for birds and game amidst the spectacular scenery of the Awash River Valley.–Animals such as the East African oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, Dik-dik, the lesser and greater kudus, warthogs, Anubis baboons, Hamadryas baboons, and perhaps African wild dogs can be seen. Along the way, stop at Palm Springs to swim in the natural hot springs. Then after a long day of seeing magnificent animals and breathing crisp African air, turn in at the lodge for the night.
Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Lodge
Early morning, take a drive in the park to witness the park as it comes alive. Afterwards, depart from Awash, returning to Addis Ababa. On the way you can stop in Sodere to take a shower in the therapeutic hot springs waters.
Evening you will have a fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurants for cultural dinner and dances from the different ethnic groups. Transfer to the airport departure to home and the tour will be end.
Meals: B, L, D
This trip can be tailor made at a time to suit you and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary.
