Awash National Park Safaris

Awash National Park established in 1966 is Ethiopia’s most esteemed National Park and without doubt one of the country’s most scenic wildlife destinations. It is located in the lowlands; 225 km east of Addis Ababa. In the south, the park is bounded by Awash River which flows north soon after leaving the park and eventually disappears into the Afar region.
Awash National Park covers an area of 827 sq km, most of it lies at an altitude of 900 meters. In the middle of the park is the dormant volcano of Fantale, reaching a height of 2008m at its top.
Vegetation
Awash National Park  is dominated mainly by acacia woodland and grassland.
Wildlife

Awash Baboon

Awash National Park’s pride derives from its remarkable wildlife diversity. Adventure tours in Awash make it is possible to spot huge concentration of mammals such as the Soemmerrings Gazelle, Beisa Oryx, Wild Pigs, baboons, both anubis and hamadryas, lesser and greater kudus, the giant tortoise, hippos, reedbucks as well as the aardvark and caracal. Klipspringers are popular in the higher slopes of the Fantale Mountain. The black and white colobus monkeys are easily spotted in the bottom of the gorge. The cheetah, serval and leopards also inhabit the forest areas of the Park but are quite not easy to spot.
Bird Life
The Park has some of the most spectacular birds such as the scarce Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. Awash National Park boasts an endless bird list; up to 350 species have been recorded in the park. They range from the great ostrich, frequently and easily observed, and the less common Secretary Bird and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill to the flashes of brilliant pink which are the Carmine Bee-eaters and the Abyssinian Roller with turquoise and purple wings.
Birding is the key highlight of most Ethiopia Safaris into the park. Awash birds are both plentiful and easy to spot.
Other Attractions
Hot Springs Oasis – To the north at Filwoha lies the hot springs oasis in its groves of palm trees.
Awash River Gorge – The Awash River Gorge in the south of the park has some spectacular waterfalls near the park

Awash National Park Bird

headquarters. You can not miss sight of the dramatic Awash Falls also.
Awash National Park Safari Activities
The unique nature endowments in Awash National Park give rise to a diversity of safari-related activities. The park is traversed by a series of well-maintained tracks, which take in the most spectacular of the many scenic attractions.
To the north at Filwoha lies the hot springs oasis in its groves of palm trees. It is reached by either one of two scenic tracks which start opposite the main gate on the far side of the road and bearing right, progress either along the floor of the Awash Falls lower Valley or along the top of the ridge.
Rafting is another interesting activity in the Park.  One or two days rafting excursions can be organized on the Awash River, with its spirited rapids, wildlife, and impressive rugged cliffs and side canyons.
Getting There
It takes just only 3 hours from Addis Ababa to the Park. The main entrance is at the 190 km. Visitors are encouraged to use the main gate first and contentedly stroll downwards southwards towards the Awash River. This is the location of the park Headquarters.