Awash National Park 3-Day Trip

 Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia’s premier wildlife reserves. Over the course of three days, explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, spot various wildlife species, and experience the natural beauty of the Awash River and its surrounding landscapes.

Day 1: Departure and Initial Exploration

Morning:

1. Departure from Addis Ababa: Early morning pick-up from your hotel at 7:00 AM. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Ethiopian countryside, with a brief stop for breakfast en route.
2. Arrival at Awash National Park: Arrive at the park by late morning. Check into your lodge and have a brief rest.

Midday:

3. Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy a hearty lunch at the lodge, featuring a mix of local and international cuisine.

Afternoon:

4. Game Drive: Begin your adventure with an afternoon game drive. Explore the park’s diverse habitats, including savannah, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests. Spot wildlife such as oryx, gazelles, baboons, and various bird species.

Evening:

5. Dinner at the Lodge: Relax and enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge.
6. Night Safari (Optional): For those interested, participate in a night safari to observe nocturnal animals and the starry African sky.

Day 2: Full Day of Wildlife and Scenic Exploration

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: Start your day with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators like lions and leopards, as well as a variety of bird species.
2. Breakfast at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for breakfast.

Midday:

3. Visit to Awash Falls: Visit the spectacular Awash Falls, where the Awash River plunges into a deep gorge. Enjoy the scenic beauty and take photos.
4. Lunch at the Lodge: Have lunch at the lodge and take a brief rest.

Afternoon:

5. Hiking and Bird Watching: Go on a guided hike along the trails of the park. Explore the park’s rich biodiversity and enjoy bird watching, with over 450 bird species recorded in the park.
6. Relaxation Time: Return to the lodge for some relaxation and leisure time.

Evening:

7. Cultural Dinner and Dance: Experience a traditional Ethiopian dinner with cultural dance performances, providing insight into the local customs and traditions.

Day 3: Final Exploration and Return

Morning:

1. Breakfast at the Lodge: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge.
2. Final Game Drive: Embark on a final game drive to capture any last wildlife sightings and scenic views.

Midday:

3. Visit to Filwoha Hot Springs: Head to the Filwoha Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural thermal waters, surrounded by lush vegetation.
4. Lunch at the Lodge: Have lunch at the lodge before departure.

Afternoon:

5. Departure for Addis Ababa: Begin your journey back to Addis Ababa in the early afternoon.
6. Arrival in Addis Ababa: Arrive back in Addis Ababa by early evening, with drop-off at your hotel.