Experience the Raw Beauty of Ethiopia’s Oldest Wildlife Reserve
Established in 1966, Awash National Park spans 756 square kilometers of breathtaking geological formations and diverse ecosystems. The park is bisected by the Addis Ababa–Dire Dawa highway, creating two distinct worlds: the Illala Saha Plains to the south and the Kudu Valley to the north.
Visitors are treated to a sensory feast—from the roar of the Awash Falls as the river plunges into a deep gorge to the serene, turquoise-blue waters of the Filwoha Hot Springs fringed by doum palms. Whether you are trekking the rugged crater of Mount Fantalle or enjoying a sunset game drive, Awash provides an authentic Ethiopian safari experience that combines natural history with stunning Rift Valley vistas.
Highlights
- Awash River Falls: Marvel at the spectacular "Little Nile" waterfalls and the deep river gorge.
- Filwoha Hot Springs: Relax by natural turquoise pools surrounded by an oasis of palm trees.
- Wildlife Spotting: Search for the iconic Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring’s Gazelle, and the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest.
- Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Spot rare species like the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and the Kori Bustard.
- Fantalle Volcano: Hike to the rim of this dormant stratovolcano for panoramic 360-degree views of the Rift Valley.
- Cultural Connection: Encounter the Kereyu and Afar pastoralists and learn about their traditional way of life.
