If you’re dreaming of spotting exotic animals, observing colorful birds, and soaking in natural hot springs all in one trip, the 2 Days Wildlife & Bird Watching Tour to Awash National Park might just be your ideal getaway. Offered by Simien Mountains Outstanding Nature Tours, this adventure promises a glimpse into Ethiopia’s diverse landscape, teeming with wildlife and unique scenery.
It’s a carefully curated escape for nature lovers who want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning every detail.
What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines wildlife viewing with cultural and natural highlights like the hot springs. Plus, the inclusion of experienced guides ensures you’ll get insightful commentary on the flora, fauna, and landscape. On the flip side, keep in mind that the journey includes a fairly long drive, which might feel a bit tiring if you’re not used to extensive road trips.
But if you’re up for a full day of exploration and adventure, this tour suits those who love being active and seeing Ethiopia’s natural beauty.
This experience is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, and those eager to explore Ethiopia’s lesser-known treasures. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, and enjoy a mix of adventure, comfort, and authenticity, you’ll find plenty to love here.
- Key Points
- An in-Depth Look at the Tour
- Starting Off: From Addis Ababa to Awash
- Arriving at Awash: The First Day
- The Variety of Animals and Birds
- The Second Day: Hot Springs and Return
- What’s Included and What to Consider
- What to Bring
- Important Tips
- Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Key Points
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5 / 5- Wildlife and birdwatching are at the core of this tour, with over 400 bird species recorded in Awash National Park.
- Natural hot springs provide a relaxing highlight after the game drives.
- The guide-led game drives offer expert insights into local flora and fauna, enriching your experience.
- The drive from Addis Ababa offers scenic views and interesting stopovers like Beseka Lake.
- Accommodation options include a lodge near hot springs, hotel in Awash town, or camping, catering to different preferences and budgets.
- The tour is a good value considering it includes transportation, park fees, meals, and lodging for an immersive two-day experience.
An in-Depth Look at the Tour
Starting Off: From Addis Ababa to Awash
Your adventure begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Addis Ababa around 7:30AM. The drive is approximately 4-5 hours, covering 211 kilometers via the express highway to Awash. Along the way, you’ll stop at Beseka Lake, an inviting spot to observe a variety of water birds. Birding here is lively, with species like Striated Herons, Black-headed Herons, Red-billed Teal, and White-backed Ducks calling this lake home. It’s a wonderful prelude to the biodiversity awaiting you in the park.
Arriving at Awash: The First Day
Once at Awash National Park, the landscape shifts dramatically — from roadside scenery to a mosaic of grasslands, acacia scrub, and riverine forests. The park covers a significant area along the Awash River, Ethiopia’s longest and one of its most substantial waterways. The river’s presence sustains lush habitats that support an incredible array of animals.
In the late afternoon, after settling into your lodge or campsite, you’ll embark on your first game drive. Here, you might spot iconic species such as Beisa Oryx, Klipspringer, and Hamadryas Baboons, along with other mammals like Salts Dikdik, Grivet Monkeys, and Warthogs. The guides are well-versed, often sharing fascinating insights into animal behavior and park ecology.
The Variety of Animals and Birds
Awash is home to over 400 bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers. Expect to see native waterfowl, raptors, and unique species like the endangered Sombre Rock Chat, which favors the old lava flows near the springs. The landscape also hosts predators like Caracals, Servals, Wildcats, and with some luck, even Lions and Leopards. The diversity of mammals and birds makes every game drive feel like a new discovery.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Second Day: Hot Springs and Return
Early morning begins with another game drive — a quieter, often more fruitful time for spotting elusive creatures. Afterward, the tour heads towards Filwuha Hot Spring, a notable natural feature where warm mineral-rich waters flow amidst striking volcanic scenery. Here, you might enjoy a dip in the hot pools, which are especially inviting either early or late in the day. Colonies of Hamadryas Baboons also occupy the cliffs behind the springs, adding to the landscape’s wild charm.
Following this, the journey back to Addis Ababa or Nazret includes a relaxed lunch break in either town. The return trip provides a chance to reflect on the wildlife and scenery, with some travelers noting the scenic drive a highlight in its own right.
What’s Included and What to Consider
The tour’s price of $450 per person offers solid value, covering land transportation, all park entrance fees, meals (breakfast, two lunches, dinner), accommodation at Doho Lodge, and all guide and service fees. The inclusion of meals and lodging simplifies planning, making this an easy, worry-free option for travelers.
However, note that tips and alcoholic drinks are not included. Tipping guides and drivers is customary and appreciated, especially given their knowledgeable guidance. Also, consider your comfort with long road journeys, as the drive from Addis Ababa is quite lengthy.
The lodging options—either a hotel, camping, or a lodge with hot springs—cater to different tastes and budgets. Staying at Doho Lodge, just 20 km from Awash town, allows you to unwind in natural baths and enjoy a peaceful environment after a day of exploring.
What to Bring
To make your experience more enjoyable, pack swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended for protection against insects and sun. Don’t forget binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, as well as a camera to capture the scenery.
Important Tips
- The tour is suitable for wildlife lovers and bird enthusiasts, especially due to the chance to observe both mammals and bird species in their natural habitat.
- You can opt to join a private or group tour, making it flexible depending on your preferences.
- Keep in mind that fireworks are not allowed, respecting the natural environment.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re after a genuine safari experience in Ethiopia, this tour offers an authentic and well-organized way to see its wildlife and natural hot springs. It’s especially fitting for those who appreciate guided trips that include all logistical details, from transport to meals. The professional guides provide valuable insights that enrich the experience, turning a simple game drive into an educational adventure.
Nature lovers and bird watchers will find the park’s diversity captivating, while travelers seeking relaxation will enjoy soaking in the hot springs after days of activity. It’s a good fit for adventurous families, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to explore Ethiopia’s lesser-known treasures.
Nevertheless, be prepared for the travel time involved. The drive can be long, but the scenery, wildlife sightings, and the chance to relax at the hot springs make it worthwhile. If you prefer a more leisurely pace or shorter excursions, this might feel a bit rushed. But if your goal is to get a full dose of Ethiopia’s wild side in just a couple of days, this tour hits the mark.
2 Days Wildlife & Bird Watching Tours to Awash National Park
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is included in the tour price?
A: The $450 fee covers land transport from Addis to Awash National Park and back, all park entrance fees, all meals (including breakfast, two lunches, and dinner), accommodation at Doho Lodge, and all service provider fees (guide, scout).
Q: Can I join this tour privately or as part of a group?
A: Yes, private or group options are available, allowing you to customize the experience based on your preferences.
Q: What should I bring for the trip?
A: Pack swimwear for the hot springs, biodegradable sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shorts, binoculars, insect repellent, and a camera.
Q: Are alcoholic drinks included?
A: No, alcoholic drinks are not included in the package and should be purchased separately if desired.
Q: How long is the drive from Addis Ababa?
A: The drive takes about 4-5 hours, covering roughly 211 km, with an interesting stop at Beseka Lake along the way.
Q: What wildlife can I expect to see?
A: Expect to see animals like Beisa Oryx, Klipspringer, Hamadryas and Anubis baboons, Warthogs, and possibly lions and leopards. Over 400 bird species are also recorded in the park.
Q: Where do we stay overnight?
A: Accommodation options include Doho Lodge, a hotel in Awash town, or camping, depending on your preference.
Q: Is this tour suitable for birdwatchers?
A: Absolutely. With over 400 bird species in the park, birdwatchers will find plenty to observe and enjoy.
Q: What is the best time to do this tour?
A: While not explicitly specified, wildlife tours like this are generally best during dry seasons when animals are more visible and bird activity is high.
This 2-day tour to Awash National Park combines adventure, wildlife, and relaxation into a manageable trip that captures Ethiopia’s natural charm. With knowledgeable guides and a well-planned itinerary, it offers a great balance of comfort and authenticity — perfect for those eager to discover Ethiopia’s wild side.
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