Three and a half hours east of Addis on good asphalt, the highlands drop into acacia savanna and Awash National Park — the capital's easiest safari. A waterfall thundering into a gorge, oryx on golden plains, 350-plus bird species, a dormant volcano to climb and turquoise hot springs to soak in: it's a compact, rewarding escape as a day trip or, better, an overnight.
Key facts
- What it is
- Ethiopia's easiest savanna safari — 227 km E of Addis
- Getting there
- ~3.5 hrs by road on good asphalt
- Star sights
- Awash Falls · Mount Fentale · Filwoha hot springs
- Wildlife
- Oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle, warthog; 350+ birds
- Format
- Day trip possible; overnight is better
- Best months
- November–February (cooler, clearer)
The Awash trio
- Awash Falls — the Awash River tumbling over a basalt lip into a scenic gorge right beside the park lodge; the signature sight and a birding hotspot.
- Ilala Sala plains game drive — arid savanna grazed by East African oryx, Soemmerring's and Grant's gazelle, warthog and dik-dik, with baboons and raptors.
- Filwoha hot springs — turquoise pools at tea temperature among doum palms, 30 km north through Afar grazing lands; the perfect end to a hot day.
Awash is one of the standout easy escapes in our hidden-gems travel guide.
Add the Mount Fentale hike
Rising over the plains is the dormant volcano Mount Fentale. Drive to the foothills and climb about five hours to the crater rim for enormous Rift Valley views and occasional steam vents — start at dawn, carry plenty of water and take a local guide. It turns Awash into a satisfying two-day trip, paired with a soak at Filwoha.
Getting there & planning
Awash is about 227 km / 3.5 hours east of Addis on good asphalt — a comfortable drive, and the road continues toward Harar and Dire Dawa, so the park makes a natural first stop on an eastern loop (see our Harar guide). Stay at Awash Falls Lodge for the gorge setting or in Awash town for budget rooms. Go November–February for cooler, clearer days; bring binoculars, sun protection and cash in birr for park fees. A car with driver from Addis (US$80–120/day) is the simplest way to do it.
