Wildlife
3-Day Awash National Park Safari
Oryx, Awash Falls and the palm-fringed Doho hot springs, three hours from the capital.
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Season
- September to April
- Group Size
- Private or group
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
2 nights, designed around the hours that matter
An easy, rewarding safari on Addis Ababa’s doorstep. Stay at Doho Lodge beside its natural hot springs, explore the savannah of the Ilala Sala plains for Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle and Swayne’s hartebeest, and visit the gorge where the Awash River plunges over the Awash Falls.
Places
- Addis Ababa
- Awash National Park
- Awash Falls
- Doho hot springs
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Drive to Awash National Park
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide before beginning the scenic drive east toward Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most accessible and rewarding wildlife destinations. As you leave the capital behind, enjoy changing landscapes from the Ethiopian highlands to the dramatic scenery of the Great Rift Valley. After entering the park, embark on your first game drive through the southern sector of Awash National Park, where you will have the opportunity to observe Ethiopia’s unique wildlife in its natural habitat. Keep your eyes open for Beisa oryx, greater kudu, gazelles, warthogs, baboons, and a variety of colorful bird species that make this area a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The drive also reveals the park’s spectacular volcanic landscapes, with panoramic views of rugged mountains, open savannah, and the impressive Awash River Gorge and waterfall, where the river plunges through a dramatic canyon surrounded by natural beauty. In the evening, relax at Doho Lodge, a peaceful retreat surrounded by palm trees and the warm waters of natural hot springs. Enjoy a refreshing soak and the tranquil atmosphere of this unique location before a relaxing overnight stay. Overnight: Doho Lodge / Awash area.
Day 2
Excursion in Awash National Park & Surroundings
Begin the day with an exciting excursion to the foothills of Mount Fentale, an extinct volcano rising dramatically above the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a scenic hike along the lower slopes, where you can admire breathtaking panoramic views of Awash National Park, the Great Rift Valley, and the vast lowlands stretching toward the horizon. The area’s volcanic scenery, unique vegetation, and peaceful atmosphere make it a rewarding experience for nature lovers and photographers. After a picnic lunch surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness, return to Doho Lodge for some time to relax and enjoy the natural hot springs. Surrounded by palm trees and tranquil scenery, the warm mineral waters provide the perfect opportunity to unwind after the morning’s adventure. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to Lake Beseka, a peaceful volcanic lake located near the park. The lake attracts a variety of birdlife, including flamingos and waterfowl, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and photography. As the day comes to an end, visit the nearby Hyena Cave, where you may have the rare opportunity to witness a fascinating wildlife spectacle. Just before sunset, groups of 20 to 30 hyenas often emerge from the shadows, offering a unique chance to observe these remarkable animals in their natural environment. Return to Doho Lodge for a relaxing evening, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the clear night sky of Ethiopia’s eastern lowlands. Overnight: Doho Lodge.
Day 3
Wildlife Safari & Return to Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, continue your exploration of Awash National Park with a visit to the northern sector, a more remote and peaceful area known for its beautiful palm forests, volcanic landscapes, and natural hot springs. Away from the busier areas of the park, this region offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Ethiopia’s wilderness in a quiet and authentic setting. During the drive through the northern part of the park, keep watch for wildlife including dik-diks, greater kudu, warthogs, and other animals that move freely through the savannah and woodland areas. The diverse habitats of Awash provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Take time to enjoy a final relaxing soak in the natural thermal pools, surrounded by palm trees and the peaceful sounds of nature. This is the perfect way to end your safari experience before beginning the return journey to Addis Ababa. As you drive back toward the capital, enjoy the changing landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and the Ethiopian countryside. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be transferred to your hotel or directly to Bole International Airport for your onward journey. Thank you for traveling with Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 2 nights of accommodation: Doho Lodge & Hot Springs
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National park entrance fees and scouts
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 3-Day Awash National Park Safari yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs September to April · Private or group · A quote made for your journey
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