Awash National Park Safari: 2-Day Wildlife & Hot Springs from Addis Ababa
Two Days Chasing Oryx and Baboons Through Ethiopia's Rift Valley
You drive east from Addis Ababa through the Rift Valley to Awash National Park, spend two game drives spotting oryx, baboons, kudu and monkeys across 827 square kilometers, sleep one night at Doho Lodge, and on the way back stop at Sodere's natural hot springs before returning to the city. The fixed itinerary and included transport mean you don't arrange any of it yourself.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Drive and game drive in Awash Park
- Depart Addis Ababa early morning
- Drive through Rift Valley to Awash Park
- Have lunch in the park
- Rest after lunch
- Take afternoon game drive in Ilala Sala Plain
- Visit Awash River Falls
- Overnight at Doho Lodge
Day 2: Morning game drive and return
- Rise early for morning game drive
- Depart Awash National Park
- Detour to Sodere hot springs
- Have lunch at Sodere
- Continue journey back to Addis Ababa
What’s included
Your two days include hotel or accommodation pickup in Addis Ababa, an air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and game drives, a local guide, two game drive sessions in Awash National Park, overnight accommodation at Doho Lodge, lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two, lunch at Sodere hot springs, entry fees to the park, and the detour to Sodere's natural hot springs on the return journey.
Times
- Every day 08:30
Before you book
Operated by Ethio Travel And Tours
Prices and times updated 11 days ago
Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by emailTraveler reviews
The experience
The Awash River Falls sounds like distant thunder before you see it: that low rumble cutting through the afternoon heat as your vehicle pulls up to the overlook. It's smaller than Victoria Falls, sure, but standing there in the spray with the water dropping hard into the gorge below, you understand why the park is named after this river. This is what the first day of the Awash National Park safari builds toward: a 225-kilometer drive east from Addis Ababa through the Rift Valley, lunch in the park, and then a short game drive across the Ilala Sala Plain where oryx, baboons, kudu, warthogs and gazelles move between the acacia scrub like they own the place, which they do.
The park covers 827 square kilometers, and you're not trying to see all of it in two days. Your guide knows where the animals congregate in the late afternoon, and the vehicle moves slowly enough that you can actually watch behavior instead of just ticking off a checklist. Colubus monkeys hang in the trees. A warthog trots past with its tail straight up. The light starts to go gold, and then you head back to Doho Lodge for dinner and sleep. It's not luxury, but it's solid. You're not camping, and you're not in the city anymore either.
The second morning starts before sunrise. Another game drive, this time when the park is waking up: animals moving to water, birds calling, the whole place shifting from night to day. After that, you drive back toward Addis Ababa, but not straight. There's a detour to Sodere, a natural hot springs complex alongside the Awash River where the vegetation is thick and green and vervet monkeys live on the grounds. You can wade into the warm water if you want, or just sit in the shade. Crocodiles live in the river too, though they keep their distance. Lunch happens here, and then the final stretch back to the capital.
The whole thing takes two days and one night. You leave early, you drive a lot, and you see real wildlife in a real park, not a zoo, not a reserve run for tourists. Your guide is local, the vehicle is air-conditioned, and every meal and entrance fee is already paid. If you're based in Addis Ababa and want to get out without spending a week planning logistics, this closes that gap fast.
Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Addis Ababa and want to see wildlife and the Rift Valley without arranging transport, park permits, or meals: the two-day structure fits a long weekend, and the fixed schedule means you leave early and return the same evening.
Compare the 6 alternatives
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How far is Awash National Park from Addis Ababa?
225 kilometers east. The drive takes several hours through the Rift Valley.
What animals will I see on the game drives?
Oryx, baboons, kudu, warthogs, gazelles, and colubus monkeys are common. Crocodiles and occasionally hippos live in the Awash River.
Is the Awash River Falls worth seeing?
Yes, it's smaller than Victoria Falls but impressive in person, and it's included as part of the first afternoon's game drive.
What is Sodere and why do we stop there?
Sodere is a natural hot springs complex on the Awash River with lush vegetation and vervet monkeys. It's a rest stop on the return journey where you can cool off before the final drive back to Addis Ababa.
Do I need to be very fit for this tour?
The tour involves early mornings and vehicle time, but game drives are seated. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, though it suits all other fitness levels.
What's included in the price?
Local guide, accommodation at Doho Lodge, all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast), air-conditioned vehicle, and all park entrance fees.
Can I do this tour if I'm traveling solo?
Yes, though the tour is typically run for small groups. Check with the operator about current group composition.
Awash National Park Safari: 2-Day Wildlife & Hot Springs from Addis Ababa
2d · EN
from US$ 400 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.