Overview
Awash National Park is Ethiopia’s oldest officially gazetted wildlife reserve, established in 1966, covering an area of around 756 to 850 square kilometers. It is located approximately 225 kilometers east of Addis Ababa, within the Great Rift Valley, and is known for its acacia woodlands, grasslands, volcanic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
Trip Highlights
- Mammals: Spot Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle, Greater Kudu, Waterbuck, Warthogs, and various monkeys (Vervet, Hamadryas, Anubis). Predators like lions, leopards, and jackals are present but harder to see.
- Birds: Over 450 species, including Ostrich, Secretary bird, Bustards, Storks, and endemic species like the Banded Barbet.
- Awash River Gorge & Falls: The river tumbles dramatically into a gorge, creating spectacular waterfalls.
- Mount Fantale: A dormant volcano offering panoramic views and evidence of past lava flows.
- Illala Sala Plains: Open grasslands ideal for spotting oryx and gazelles.
