- See the magnificent Awash falls and gorge
- Trek to the top of the Fantale Volcano Crater
- Brave the crocodiles to bathe at the beautiful Filwoha hot springs
- Spot oryx, gazelles, warthogs, colobus monkeys and other wildlife
- Look out for Arabian Bustard, Hartlaub's Bustard, African Swallow-tailed Kite, Abyssinian Roller, Gillet's Lark, Red-winged Lark, Ethiopian Cliff Swallow, Ashy Cisticola and Somali Fiscal
- Admire the spectacular volcanic scenery of Bishoftu's crater lakes, formed when ground water came into contact with hot volcanic rock, creating pressurised steam and explosive results
- Explore lake shores by foot or rowing boat
Famed for its bird life and dramatic volcanic landscapes, Awash National Park makes a fantastic overnight trip from Addis Ababa. With more than 460 bird species recorded, including the rare and endemic yellow-throated seed-eater and sombre rock chat, the park is a must for dedicated birders. This trip also includes a visit to Bishoftu, which, with seven lakes in close proximity to the town, certainly lives up to the meaning of its name: "place of water/lakes/springs".
Day 1: Addis Ababa to Awash National Park
In the morning, you will depart Addis Ababa for Awash National Park, stopping for lunch on the way. In the afternoon, there will be the chance to explore the birds and wildlife of the park. Around 80 species of mammals have been recorded in the park and you are likely to see Hamadryas and Anubis baboons, Beisa oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle and Salt's dik-dik. If you are lucky, you may also spot lesser and greater kudu, Defassa waterbuck, warthog, vervet and guereza monkeys and spotted hyenas. The park is also home to over 460 bird species including the endemic Ethiopian cliff swallow and yellow-throated serin.
Day 2: Awash National Park to Addis Ababa
Day 2 starts with and early morning game drive through Awash National park, as this is the best time of day to see many of the park's mammal species. Leaving Awash, you'll head to the town of Bishoftu for lunch, where you can relax by the lakeside and admire the spectacular volcanic scenery. After lunch, there will be the opportunity to explore more of Bishoftu's lakes and look for flamingos, African spoonbills and other water birds, before returning to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon.
Services Included
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An experienced professional English-speaking guide
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All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch day 2 inclusive
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All land transport involved in the itinerary
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1 night hotel accommodation in Awash
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Entrance fees and local guides for all excursions described
Services Not Included
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Travel Insurance
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Ethiopian Visa
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Tips for staff
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Miscellaneous expenses – alcoholic drinks, souvenirs etc.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking boots or shoes with good grip
- Sun screen, hat, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Light waterproof jacket
- Camera and binoculars
Accommodation
This trip includes 1 night's accommodation in a tourist class hotel. The exact hotels used will be dependant on availability but please remember that Ethiopia is a developing country and that accommodation can be basic in comparison to European standards. All accommodation is based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same gender. Depending on availability, it may be possible to book a single room, although an additional charge may apply.
Group Leader & Support Staff
The group will be accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide plus a driver and local support staff, as required.
Guidance On Tipping
Tipping should not be seen as something you have to do but in Ethiopia, as in many parts of the world, it is an appropriate way of saying thank you for a service well done. For each of your drivers on this trip we would recommend around £5 per day from the group, and for each of your guides around £10 per day from the group.
Upcoming group tour dates:
If you are interested in this tour, we can arrange dates to suit you so please contact us.
Alternatively, you can book directly via Viator or Trip Advisor.
Prices
The cost of this itinerary depends on your group size.
A tour for 1 person costs 34,679 ETB (643 USD / 592 EUR / 521 GBP).
A tour for 2 people costs 20,299 ETB (377 USD / 346 EUR / 305 GBP) per person.
A tour for 3 or more people costs 15,505 ETB (288 USD / 265 EUR / 233 GBP) per person.
Please see the further details tab for information about services included.
For more details, please see our FAQ page, or read our full terms and conditions.
