This 756km2 national park on the border of the Afar and Oromia regions is readily accessible, being just 190km drive from Addis Ababa.
Habitat is mostly comprised of dry, grassy plains, acacia scrub and there is some riverine woodland along the Awash River, as well as Doum palm groves at the park's hot springs.
Scenery includes varied highlights such as the Awash Falls (at their best during or just after the rains); Lake Beseka, the crater of the dormant Fentalle volcano and the Awash Gorge. The park is best visited for its diverse birdlife, with a species list in excess of 450. Highlights for birders include 7 species of Bustard (notably Kori and Arabian bustards), flocks of various species of Sandgrouse; Abbysinnian roller and gorgeous Northern carmine bee-eaters.
Do note that mammal populations are sparse following years of poaching, but most visitors see fair numbers of Beisa oryx and the localised Soemmering's gazelle as well as Greater kudu, Defassa waterbuck, tiny Salt's dikdik and Black-backed jackal. Hamadryas and Anubis baboons are common, as are Vervet monkeys.
Activities in and around the park include game drives (the main circuit is about 35km and does include some rough roads) and walks; visiting the Aga Edu Hyena Cave 2km from Lake Beseka to see the resident Spotted hyenas and visiting Filwoha Hot Spings and their blue pools surrounded by Doum palms.

Awash Falls Lodge
1km south of the national park gate and in a lovely location facing the Awash Falls, this rustic 25-room property is our accommodation of choice for visitors to Awash National Park. The bungalows have been built using stone, thatch and bamboo and have private, en-suite facilities. There are netted windows and mosquito netting (essential for this area) is provided, but do take plenty of repellent w...
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog

Top 5 First Time Safari Destinations

Salar De Uyuni - The World's Largest Salt Flat


10 Strange Animals and Where to Go to See them


Top five South Africa Safari lodges

Sustainable Tourism In Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware