Awash National Park, established in 1966, is Ethiopia’s oldest and most accessible national park, located approximately 225 kilometres east of Addis Ababa in the Afar and Oromia regions. Located at the border of Oromia state and Afar state, the park covers an area of 827 km² and most of it lies at an altitude of 900 m. The park protects a dramatic convergence of habitats including a transition zone between Ethiopian Highland and Afar lowland ecosystems, harbouring a diversity of habitats including volcanic landscapes, hot springs, acacia savanna, and the Fentale caldera. Over 460 bird species have been recorded, making it one of East Africa’s premier birding destinations. Key draws include the Awash Falls and gorge, the Filwoha Hot Springs in Kudu Valley, the 2,007-metre dormant stratovolcano Mount Fentale, and wildlife including Beisa oryx, hamadryas baboons, and Soemmerring’s gazelles. The park is located on the tarred road to Harar and the driving time from Addis Ababa is about 3 to 4 hours.
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Awash National Park at a Glance 2026
| Activity | Duration | Difficulty | Approx. Cost (USD) | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game Drive | 2–4 hours | Easy | $20–$50 (guide fee) | Oct–Feb |
| Awash Falls Walk | 1–2 hours | Easy | Included with entry | Year-round |
| Mount Fentale Hike | 5–7 hours | Strenuous | $20–$40 (guide fee) | Oct–Mar (dry) |
| Filwoha Hot Springs Visit | Half day | Moderate | $20–$50 (guide + transport) | Oct–Feb |
| Birding Walk | 2–4 hours | Easy | $20–$50 (guide fee) | Nov–Mar |
| Gorge Rim Trekking | 2–3 hours | Easy–Moderate | Included with entry | Oct–Feb |
| Awash River Rafting | Half day | Moderate–Hard | Varies by operator | Oct–Jan |
| Kereyu Village Visit | 2–3 hours | Easy | $10–$20 | Year-round |
Awash National Park Wildlife and Animals 2026
Awash National Park is home to more than 81 species of mammals, with Beisa oryxes being notably common. Other species include aardvarks, aardwolves, caracals, servals, hippopotamuses, crested porcupines, spotted hyenas, striped hyenas, lions, leopards, cheetahs, Soemmerring’s gazelles, Defassa waterbucks, spotted-necked otters, rock hyraxes, klipspringers, Salt’s dik-diks, lesser kudus, greater kudus, and warthogs. Honest expectation-setting matters here: Awash National Park has seen a fair amount of poaching, and wildlife viewing is hit-and-miss; however, Beisa oryx and Soemmerring’s gazelle are both quite common on the open plains.
Olive and hamadryas baboons, as well as colobus and grivet monkeys, can be seen near the river, while cats such as cheetah, serval, and leopard are also present, although less easy to spot, and lions and caracals can occasionally be seen. Nile crocodiles are found in Awash river valleys and gorges, while rock pythons are found in riverine forests and hot spring oases. The hamadryas baboon is particularly rare and worth seeking out — the females are easily mistaken for the more widespread olive baboon, but the males, with their white coats and imposing manes, are easily identified, and due to overlapping ranges, hybrids are sometimes seen.
Birding in Awash National Park
The park is a major importance area for birds, with nearly 453 species including 6 endemics recorded; from the Kori Bustard in dry savannas to the Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill in thorny shrubs, as well as the Little Bee-eater and Abyssinian Roller. Over 460 species of bird have been recorded in the area, including Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, the endemic White-tailed Swallow, Buff-crested Bustard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Arabian Bustard, Rosy-patched Bush Shrike, Northern Carmine Bee Eater, Orange-billed Parrot, Lilac-Breasted Roller, Lappet-faced Vulture, and Ruppell’s Vulture.
Birding is most productive between November and March, when Palearctic migrants arrive from the north. The Awash River acacia forest is prime birding habitat, with carmine bee-eaters nesting in riverbank colonies from July to October, and guided birding walks from the Kereyou Lodge area allow close approach to ground-feeding species including Heuglin’s bustard. The park also hosts seven endemic birds, such as the banded barbet, wattled ibis, white-billed starling, black-winged lovebird, yellow-throated seedeater, Abyssinian woodpecker, and thick-billed raven. Specialized birding tours focus on locating endemic and migratory species, with guides assisting in identification, and wetlands, riverbanks, and savannas provide varied habitats supporting a rich diversity of birdlife.
Awash Falls and the Awash River Gorge
At the heart of the park is the Awash River, which cascades over the dramatic Awash Falls before flowing northeast into the Afar Depression. The falls are the most visited feature in the park and can be reached on a short walk from the park headquarters. Awash Falls is a dramatic two-tiered waterfall where the Awash River plunges into a narrow gorge, and it is photogenic and loud — a perfect short hike from the park entrance with the chance to watch birds and baboons on the rocks below.
The Awash River Gorge, carved by the river, is the park’s spine — featuring sheer cliffs, riverine trees, and a pocket of vegetation in the middle of dry savanna; rim trails provide wide Rift Valley views and cool breezes down into the gorge. The restaurant area at Awash Falls Lodge has a very nice view of the falls and the crocodiles congregating at the bottom, where probably 20 Nile crocodiles hang on the beach or float at the base, with some easily 4 metres long, and it is possible to walk down to get a closer look. The best time to visit the falls is early morning for light and cooler temperatures before the midday heat sets in.
Mount Fentale Hike and Volcanic Crater
The park is home to Mount Fentale, a dormant stratovolcano located in the western area of Awash National Park at an altitude of 2,007 m (6,585 ft) above sea level. Fentale’s historic eruptions produced lava flows that descended to the east side into the valley and lake Awash, and an eruption during the 13th century destroyed a town and church located south of the volcano; in 1820, a 4 km long fissure eruption occurred on the east flank and sent basaltic lava flows both into the caldera and outside.
The hike to the top of Fentale is challenging but rewarding — it takes about three hours to reach the summit on an uphill and rocky trail, and once at the top you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the park. A visit and hike to the Fentale Volcano should be done during the dry season as the hike trails during this period will not be as slippery as they get during the rainy season. The interior of the mountain-top crater, with its wispy steam vents, is still used by the local Kereyu people for grazing livestock on a seasonal basis. A mandatory guide is required for the ascent, and an early start before 7 AM is strongly advised given the intense heat that builds through the morning.
Filwoha Hot Springs in the Kudu Valley
The Filwoha Hot Springs are found in the far north of the park, about 30 kilometres from the highway in a scenic area with doum palms, and the turquoise-blue pools can reach temperatures of up to 45°C. In the upper Kudu Valley at Filwoha, hot springs amid groves of palm trees thrive at the river bed. The springs are reached via two scenic tracks that start opposite the main gate — one along the floor of the Awash Falls lower valley and one along the ridge above. A 4WD vehicle is required for this route.
Be cautious at the springs, as crocodiles are known to lurk in the cooler areas, adding an element of danger. The clear pools of the Filwoha Hot Springs, surrounded by doum palm trees, attract animals looking for water and shade — making this one of the better wildlife-viewing spots in the park during the dry season. Doho Lodge, the sister lodge to Awash Falls Lodge, is nearby with outstanding views over the hot springs lake and excellent birding around the lake and the vicinity.
Game Drives in Awash National Park
Game drives are the primary way to explore the open plains and track mammals across the different park zones. Game drives allow visitors to traverse the park’s diverse habitats and observe wildlife including Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and the elusive caracal; guided by experienced rangers, these drives provide insights into animal behaviors, and morning and late afternoon drives are particularly rewarding, aligning with peak animal activity periods.
A circuit drive around the base of Mount Fentale reveals dramatic volcanic scenery and hamadryas baboon troops. The Addis Ababa–Dire Dawa highway passes through the park, separating the Illala Saha Plains to the south from the Kudu Valley to the north — so game drive routes can be planned on either side of the road depending on the target species. The park road network is partially paved and a standard four-wheel-drive is recommended for the full circuit. Wildlife density is generally moderate and not comparable to East African parks such as Serengeti or Amboseli, so realistic expectations are important.
Hiking and Trekking Trails
There are several hiking trails in the park due to the varied landscapes — the most popular is the hike to Awash Falls, which takes visitors through the Awash Gorge offering views of the falls and savanna grasslands, and the hike takes about four hours for a round trip and is suitable for all skill levels. Another famous trek is the Ilala Sala hike, which takes visitors through thorn bushes, acacia woodlands, riverine wetlands, and savanna grasslands.
The Awash River Gorge, with its dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls, also offers visitors a chance to experience the park’s most striking scenery on guided hikes that provide opportunities to observe resident wildlife and bird species. All hiking inside the park requires a mandatory ranger or guide to accompany the group. Hiking here is raw and exposed, with heat, thorns, and open terrain dominating the experience. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person, wear sun protection, and start walks before 8 AM to avoid the worst of the midday heat, which can push past 40°C.
Awash River Rafting and Canoeing
There is a spot near the park headquarters for white-water rafting on the Awash River, and depending on the water levels, visitors can enjoy a 17-mile rafting experience passing through scenic habitats and local communities. This activity is best attempted between October and January when river levels are manageable but still provide enough flow for rafting. Rafting operators must be arranged in advance through tour companies based in Addis Ababa, as there are no on-site rental facilities within the park.
The river also supports gentler c