Awash National Park

The Awash National Park is located just 200 kilometres away from Addis Ababa in the eastern Rift Valley. But unlike in the capital, the climate here is dry and hot. The area is predominantly grassland with thick bush and lava stone covering the ground. Approximately 450 partly endemic species of birds live here making the Awash National Park a choice destination for bird watchers. In addition, kudus, antelope and gazelle can be found grazing in the plains in the eastern region of the park. Large predators such as leopards, cheetahs, jackals and even lions also inhabit the area, although they are rarely seen.

The Awash National Park is part of the Afar’s land, who are proud nomadic Muslims bringing their herds of cattle here to graze. The men are tall and gaunt. They wear their hair long in a pageboy style and carry a scimitar around their waist. The women are adorned with rich, colourful beads. Often, visitors to the park will encounter a nomadic family on their trek through the park, their belongings packed on the backs of their animals.

The park is also home to many scenic treasures, often not seen by visitors upon the first glance. To the north, a lonely dirt road leads deep into the park. Dense shrub lines the road as far as the eye can see for miles on end. At the end of the shrub comes an opening. Large chunks of lava rocks cover the ground and heat the air around. Suddenly, a seemingly tranquil oasis appears. The gurgling of water can be heard. Beautiful crystal clear blue pools of water lie hidden under palm trees. Hot springs rise to the surface feed the natural pools. Get undressed and into the water and enjoy a heated swimming pool in a very special place!

Cool down after a hot spring bath by the Awash River, which forms the south-eastern boundary of the park. A mighty, roaring waterfall pours down into a deep gorge. Towards the bottom, the Awash River flows gently toward the Danakil Depression where it gathers sand and silt before reaching the Red Sea.

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Wildlife: Beisa oryx, Soemmering’s gazelle, Salt’s dik dik, lesser kudu, greater kudu, Swayne‘s hartebeest, defassa waterbuck, warthog, vervet monkey, guereza monkey, hamadryas baboon, olive baboon, klipspringer, mountain reedbuck, giant tortoise and predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted and striped hyena, black-backed jackal and golden jackal. The national park is home to approx. 450 bird species.

Meals & Accommodation: A newly built lodge is now available directly next to the waterfall in the park featuring traditional style huts. A simple but nice option is ‘Station de la Gare’ in the town Awash near the park. This small hotel is tucked away and comes from the days when the train going to Djibouti stopped here and features a lush green garden. A simple restaurant is also available.

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