2-Day Awash National Park Safari from Addis Ababa

Summary

Wildlife Safari Adventure with Hot Springs Stop

If you’re after a quick escape from Addis Ababa with real wildlife moments and a taste of local life, this 2-day Awash National Park safari packs in game drives, waterfalls, and a soak in natural hot springs—all without feeling rushed.

What’s the experience like?

Leaving Addis before sunrise, we watched the city fade behind us as the Rift Valley opened up ahead. The drive east felt like a slow reveal—acacia trees, roadside fruit stalls, and the odd goat wandering across the highway. By late morning, we rolled into Awash National Park just as the air started to warm up. Lunch was simple but filling—injera and spicy lentils—at a shaded picnic spot where you could hear birds calling from somewhere in the tall grass.

The first game drive took us across Ilala Sala Plain. Our guide, Tesfaye, had an uncanny knack for spotting wildlife before anyone else did. He pointed out a group of oryx grazing not far from the road—those long horns look even more impressive up close. We also caught sight of baboons squabbling over something shiny near a termite mound, and a few warthogs darting through the scrub. The real surprise was the Awash River Falls: not huge, but you could feel the spray on your face if you stood close enough. The sound of rushing water mixed with distant monkey calls made it feel like another world.

We spent the night at Doho Lodge—a bit rustic, but waking up to birdsong and that faint smell of wood smoke was worth it. Early morning is when the park really wakes up; mist hangs low over the plains and you might spot kudu or gazelles moving through the grass. After breakfast, we set off for one last game drive before heading back toward Addis.

On the way home, we took a detour to Sodere hot springs. The place has this laid-back vibe—locals soaking in warm pools under big shady trees while vervet monkeys sneak around looking for snacks. If you walk down by the riverbank, you might spot crocodiles sunning themselves (don’t get too close). After lunch at one of Sodere’s open-air cafés, we hit the road again—tired but glad we’d squeezed so much into just two days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Awash National Park

• Drive from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park
• Lunch in the park
• Rest time
• Afternoon game drive in Ilala Sala Plain
• Visit Awash River Falls

Day 2 — Morning Game Drive and Return

• Morning game drive in Awash National Park
• Drive to Sodere hot springs and refresh
• Lunch and continue to Addis Ababa

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels. There’s some driving and short walks but nothing too strenuous.

What kind of animals will I see?

You’ll likely spot oryx, baboons, kudu, warthogs, gazelles, colobus monkeys—and maybe crocodiles near Sodere.

What should I bring?

A hat, sunscreen, camera, comfortable shoes, and maybe a light jacket for early mornings are good ideas.

Are meals included?

Yes—lunches, dinner at Doho Lodge, and breakfast are all covered during your trip.

What’s included

Your entrance fees to all sites are covered, along with local guides who know their stuff. Meals (lunches, dinner, breakfast), overnight stay at Doho Lodge, air-conditioned transport, and even your stop at Sodere hot springs are all part of the deal.