National Park · Eastern Rift Valley
Awash National Park
One of Ethiopia’s oldest national parks brings oryx, kudu, baboons and exceptional birdlife within reach of Addis Ababa and the eastern route.
- Best Time
- September – March
- Suggested Stay
- 2 days
- Altitude
- 750 – 2,007 m
- Region
- Eastern Rift Valley
Why We Go
Acacia savanna, volcanic plains and wildlife gathered around the Awash River gorge.
One of Ethiopia’s oldest national parks brings oryx, kudu, baboons and exceptional birdlife within reach of Addis Ababa and the eastern route.
Acacia savanna, volcanic plains and wildlife gathered around the Awash River gorge.
Highlights
- Early wildlife drives on the Illala Saha plains
- Awash Falls and the river gorge
- Beisa oryx, greater kudu and hamadryas baboons
- Hot springs, volcanic scenery and prolific birdlife
Best combined with a stay of 2 days, travelling September – March.
Private Trip Planning
Plan a Visit to Awash National Park
Tell us your dates, pace and interests, and our team will shape this stop into a private Ethiopia itinerary.
Start PlanningDestination Dossier
A deeper read before you arrive
Concise field context for how this destination works in a private itinerary: what defines it, how to experience it well and what should be planned before arrival.
What Defines It
One of Ethiopia’s oldest national parks brings oryx, kudu, baboons and exceptional birdlife within reach of Addis Ababa and the eastern route.
How To Experience It
Stay overnight and protect dawn and late afternoon for wildlife, using the warmer hours for the falls, gorge, viewpoints and onward travel.
Planning Notes
- Wildlife is dispersed and sightings should never be oversold.
- Heat, road access and park guidance shape the daily sequence.
- It connects naturally with Dire Dawa and Harar when the corridor is operating.
Pairs Well With
Journeys Including Awash National Park
Routes that pass through here
Plan This Destination
Build Awash National Park into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and a designer will draw the route — including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
Speak With a Designer
Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our designers travel these routes themselves. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or which lodge has the better view — you will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on USA: +1 909 450 7246 or Ethiopia: +251 910 923 501