Day 1: Addis Ababa to Awash National Park

Begin your journey with a morning departure from Addis Ababa, heading southeast toward Awash National Park. Drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Ethiopian Great Rift Valley, passing volcanic mountains and valleys where lava formations line the roadside like freshly turned earth.

Stop at the beautiful Lake Beseka, a birdwatcher’s paradise teeming with species such as the pink-winged pelican, African fish eagle, and saddle-billed stork. Upon arrival at Awash National Park, embark on an afternoon game drive, offering chances to spot Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, greater and lesser kudu, warthog, olive and hamadryas baboons, and colobus monkeys. If luck is on your side, catch a glimpse of some big cats. A visit to the dramatic Awash Falls adds to the day’s natural highlights.

Day 2: Awash National Park – Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve – Doho Hot Springs

Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve, an open grassland habitat known for its diversity. Encounter wildlife such as Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, olive baboons, and waterbucks. Bird enthusiasts may be lucky enough to spot the kori bustard or the elusive Arabian bustard.

After the drive, head back to Addis Ababa.