3-Day Awash National Park Safari: Game Drives & Hot Springs

Volcanic plains, herds of oryx and gazelle, over 400 birds, and thermal pools after each day's drive

A 3-day wildlife safari in Awash National Park and Alidegy Wildlife Reserve, departing from Addis Ababa, with expert guide, game drives, lodge accommodation and meals included. The park sits in the Great Rift Valley with acacia woodland, open savannah and volcanic terrain where Beisa oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle, kudu and baboons roam. Evenings end at Doho Lodge's natural hot springs. Pickup from Addis Ababa is included; guides speak English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Awash Park and hot springs

• Drive from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park
• Explore Awash National Park wildlife
• Relax at Doho Lodge hot springs

Day 2 — Wildlife viewing in Awash and Alledeghi

• Visit Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve
• Spot Beisa oryx and gazelles
• Birdwatch in grassland ecosystem
• Return to Doho Lodge accommodation

The Experience

Awash National Park occupies the Great Rift Valley with a mix of acacia woodland, open savannah and volcanic landscapes cut through by the Awash River. The drive from Addis Ababa takes you into one of Ethiopia's most accessible and least crowded wildlife destinations. Game drives focus on the park's diverse mammal population—oryx, kudu, baboons, warthogs—and the over 400 bird species that make it a serious draw for birdwatchers. The terrain and relatively uncrowded environment mean you spend your time watching wildlife instead of waiting for other vehicles to move.

Alidegy Wildlife Reserve, visited on the second day, is known for its wide-open plains and grassland ecosystem where visibility is excellent. Beisa oryx often appear in herds here, alongside Soemmerring's gazelles and other antelope species. The flat terrain and untouched wilderness feel make it one of the best places in Ethiopia to see grazing animals in their natural patterns. Your guide leads the game drives and handles the route; you focus on what moves across the plains.

Accommodation is at Doho Lodge in a lake view room, and the natural hot springs there provide a physical reset after each day's drive. All meals, entrance fees to both reserves, bottled water and coffee or tea are included. The guide speaks your choice of English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language. Pickup from Addis Ababa is arranged; you do not organize transport to the park.

What’s included

All meals, lodge accommodation at Doho Lodge in a lake view room, entrance fees to Awash National Park and Alidegy Wildlife Reserve, expert guide in your choice of language, game drives, bottled water and coffee or tea; pickup from Addis Ababa is included.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ethio Wildlife Tours

Is this one for you?Book this safari if you want to see large herds of oryx and gazelle on open plains and spend time in a less crowded park—the guide and fixed itinerary mean the three days hold together without you arranging the route, the timing or the logistics between sites.

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Top questions

What wildlife am I most likely to see in Awash National Park and Alidegy Reserve?

Awash National Park holds oryx, kudu, baboons, warthogs and over 400 bird species across its acacia woodland and savannah. Alidegy Wildlife Reserve is particularly known for Beisa oryx herds and Soemmerring's gazelles, with excellent visibility across its open grasslands.

Are meals and accommodation included in the price, or do I pay separately?

All meals, lodge accommodation at Doho Lodge, entrance fees to both parks, bottled water and coffee or tea are included in the tour price. You do not pay separately for these items.

Does the tour include pickup from Addis Ababa, or do I arrange my own transport?

Pickup from Addis Ababa is included. Your guide meets you and handles transport to Awash National Park and between the reserves.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language—you choose your preference at booking.

What should I know about fitness or health before booking this safari?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy. Game drives involve sitting for extended periods and rough terrain in an open vehicle.