Awash National park is characterized by immense volcanic activity. There has been volcanic movements over 40 million which led to the formation of features like hot springs, gorges and craters. The park was gazzetted in the year 1966.
One of the notable mountains here is the Fantale Mountain which is a Strato Volcano. It has a very big crater on the top. The highest point of the mountain is about 2000 meters above sea level. The last time the mountain erupted was in the year 1820. The area is very fertile due to the lava and ash from the mountain. There is a variety of vegetation here from acacia, grasslands, riverine and palm forest.
There is a lake here called Awash where the National park derives its name. The Awash falls is part of the water system here and you will be marveled with how the water curves to form a gorge by River Awash. Most locals believe that the hot springs have healing powers but this is mostly because the water here is filled with a lot of minerals.
There is a lot wild life here for you to explore like the beisa oryx, soemmerring’s gazelle, and greater and lesser kudu. There are over 400 bird species that have been recorded here. There are some birds that are endemic to this area. Some of the activities you expect to see here are game drives, bird watching, trekking, camping and swimming at the hot springs.
Where is Awash National Park located?
The Awash National park is located in the Afar and Oromia areas of the country. This is about 215 Kilometers from the Capital Addis Ababa. The park is bordered by the Awash River in the south which starts from the Ethiopian Highlands. The river is well powered by the waterfalls which are part of the park. The river influences the rain patterns here which are bimodal. There is a dry season which also lasts for over 6 months a year. The area receives between 700 and 2000 mm of rain a year.
What are the particular ecosystem features of the park?
The Awash National park is mainly a semi arid area. It’s covered by savanna grasslands and shrubs. The category of the vegetation here is manly Acacia-Commiphora forest which is very drought resistant. The Ecosystem of Awash national park has been subjected to anthropogenic pressures especially around the rift valley area making it well a preserved area of the park. The main threat to the vegetation of the national is the firewood and charcoal production by the locals which leave the land bare an exposed to erosion.
WILDLIFE OF AWASH NATIONAL PARK
The wash national park is home to a variety of wildlife. While in the national park, our first attraction will be the vegetation. The park is covered by Arid Acacia woods, prickly bushlands, grazing savannas, and riverine wetlands. The distribution of animals in the national park is determined by the vegetation of the sector of the park. This is because the different wildlife species has different habitants to breed.
The abundance of wildlife in this national park is the reason tourists are drawn here. There are over 80 species of animals recorded here over time. There are big mammals and carnivores to small species like mice. Some of the animals you expect here include: Beisa Oryx, Aardvarks, leopards, cheetahs, Soemmerring’s gazelles, Defassa waterbucks, Spotted-necked otters, Aardwolves, caracals, servals, hippopotamuses, Crested porcupines, Spotted hyenas, Striped hyenas, lions, Rock hyraxes, klipspringers, Salt’s dik-dik, greater and lesser kudus, and warthogs. It’s almost certain for you too primates like Olive baboons, guerezas, grives, and hamadryas baboons.
The Awash National park has about 311 bird species recorded in recent times. Bird watchers will be excited by the prospect of this birding area. Some of the birds you expect to see are Somali ostriches, White-bellied go-away-birds, Chestnut-headed sparrow-larks, Northern carmine bee eaters, Kori bustards, Abyssinian rollers, Abyssinian ground hornbills, Crested francolins, White-headed buffalo weavers, Scissor-tailed Kite, African Harrier-Hawk, Martial Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Red-billed hornbill, Black-billed barbet and birds of prey including Brown snake-eagles, Lappet-faced vultures, Secretary birds, Black-winged Kite, Tawny Eagle, Steppe Eagle
The bird is a hub for seven endemic birds that include Banded barbet (Lybiusun Datus), Wattled Ibis (Bostrychia Carunculata), White-billed starling (Onychognathus Albirostris), Black-winged lovebird (Agapornis Taranta), Yellow-throated seedeater (Crithagra Flavigula), Abyssinian woodpecker (Dendropicos Abyssinicus) and Thick-billed raven (Corvus Crassirostris).
ACTIVITIES IN AWASH NATIONAL PARK
There are a wide range of activities you can choose from. The traveler here will experience the beauty of Ethiopia as a country in just one place. There are activities for both day and night. Here are some of the activities you expect to engage in while in the Awash National park.
- Hiking and trekking in Awash National Park:
There are several hiking trails in the Awash National park due to the many beautiful landscapes in the area. The most stunning and famous hike is that to the Awash falls because it takes you through the beautiful Awash gorge. At the summit, you will see the water falls from above and the savannah grasslands. The hike can be done by all hikers and the hike takes about 4 hours to complete the round trip.
The second famous trek is the llala Sala hike. This hike will take you through the many landscapes of the park from the thorned bushes, acacia woodlands, riverine wetlnads and savanna grasslands. You can use the hike to refresh and relax.
- Bird Watching in Awash National Park
The Awash National park is a birder’s paradise while in Ehtiopia. The park is home to a range of species. The place is good for amateur and hardcore birders. There are over 311 bird species that have been recorded here. Your checklist will include birds like: the Somali ostrich, White-headed buffalo weavers, Chestnut-headed sparrow-larks, Northern carmine bee-eaters, Kori bustards, Abyssinian rollers, Lappet-faced vultures, White-bellied go-away-birds, Crested francolins, and Abyssinian ground horn.
The best time to do birding here is during the dry season. You can also do birding in the wet season depending on the species you are interested in.The dry season runs between November to March and this is the best time for birding. The time is also great to search for the migratory birds in the park. The weather is great for photography as well which is a great aspect of birding.
It’s advised that you hire a local guide to help you with the spotting of the birds since they are well versed with the park, this will enhance your birding since you will bird with more purpose.
Some of the best birding spots in the Awash national park are: the hot springs area, acacia scrubs, and woodlands and around the Awash River. There are several aquatic birds you will see in this national park and specifically around the river banks. The acacia forest will have a lot of birds perched on the trees so be sure to check them out.
- Camping in Awash National Park:
One of the ways to adventure in the national park or save on your budget is by camping. This is one of the things all travelers to the park may have to do as it is almost unavoidable in some instances. There are many camping areas designated in the national park with very stunning views of the falls and the Awash River. Most camps are well equipped with basic amenities like the showers, toilets and a Kitchen. The camps are also a great spot to start your hiking experiences.
- White Water Rafting and Canoeing
There is a spot around the park headquarters on the water falls for great water rafting experience. Depending on the water levels on the day, you may be able to do a 17 mile raft on the Awash River in this section. You will choose from a day one or two day rafting experience here where you will also had a chance to see more wildlife, stunning landscapes, people and canyons. The raft will begin from the Awash water fall to the villages on the sea shore.
- Cultural and community tourism in Awash National Park:
The greatest aspect of a tour to Ethiopia is its people and culture. The Awash National park is within the vicinity with the tribes of the Kereyu, Itu, and Afar. While in the national park, you will have chance to also interact with the different communities of the people around the park. You will dig deep into their customs, food and ways of life.
The Kereyu people for example are known for the exceptional cultural norms, food, dances and music. You will have a chance to see how they herd their cattle, the milking and butter making process and how they put this all to use.
The Itu people on the other hand are known for the weaving. You will be taken through the many weaving techniques and the many materials they use like cotton and wool. The locals will also give you a chance to tour their traditional houses and participate in their daily activities of life.
The Afar people are also a unique community. They are nomads and they have huge herds of camels. Visitors can engage in camel treks as you explore the park with its wildlife and stunning landscapes while enjoying the camel ride.
- Safari tours in Awash National Park:
Safari activities in the National park are possibly the most popular activity in the Awash national park. You get a chance to get close to the wildlife while on a game drive. There are several operators around the park that offer several safari activities. You will go closer to the animal habitants in the acacia and riverine wetland vegetation. You have a chance to see some of the animals hunt or calf. Some of the notable animals you will see are: Beisa Oryx, lions, leopards, and many other bird species.
Best time to visit Awash National Park
You can visit the Awash National park. However the park is best useful during the Months of November to February. During this time, the weather is cool but also dry and the wildlife is more active. This is also the best time to do birding as the migratory birds are always here. Birding however can also be down in the months of September to November depending on the species you are looking for. The months of March to May are probably the hottest months here and the animals will always be hiding in the shades during the day. The rainy season is usually in June to August and here the roads can be impassable which may make it almost impossible to get around.
How to get to Awash National Park
The Awash National park is located about 230 Kilometers from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. You can hire an operator to drive you or you can rent a self drive car. You can also hire a car with a driver. There is public transportation from the Capital to the town of Awash is on the out skirts of the national park. From this township you can hire a special taxi to take you into the park or you can arrange with your lodge to pick you up from here. There is a possibility of flying from Adddis Ababa to Dire Dawa where you can now go by road to the park.
Where to stay in Awash National Park
Awash National park like any other destination in Ethiopia has variety of wildlife to choose from. There are lodges within the park and outside the park. There is luxury, mid range and standard types of accommodation. Some of the accommodation to choose from include: Awash Falls Lodge, Genet Hotel, and the Awash Luxury Tented Camp.
What to pack for a trip to Awash National Park
When visit any destination in Ethiopia you will need to pack appropriate clothes to suite the weather, terrain and culture. Here is a list of some of the thing you would consider packing.
- Carry come hiking shoes that are comfortable and light. Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather
- The day is always hot but the nights are cold at times, carry some warm clothes for the night.
- Sunglasses, Sunscreen, and a hat to protect you from the sun.
- An Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera to capture moments: extra batteries and memory cards
- Reusable water bottle
- First-aid kit
Other Attractions in Ethiopia
- Lalibela: This site is in the heart of Ethiopia. It’s a spiritual beauty full of mystery and stunning architecture. The place is so magical.
- Simien Mountains National Park: This is one of the tallest mountains in Ethiopia. It will give you great views for wildlife.
- Danakil Depression: This is a volcanic wilderness in the north eastern part of Ethiopia. It is believed that this is one of the hottest places in the world.
- Omo Valley: We shall find this attraction in the southern part of the country. This place is known for the many unique tribal groups here. You will be interacting with the human aspect of Ethiopia.
- Bale Mountains National Park: The Mountain will give you both views and great jungle experiences. You will explore wildlife, the summit of the mountain and waterfalls.
- Gheralta Mountains: The Mountain will give you cliff expreince with a mixture plateaus. You will discover a lot of secrets about Ethiopia here.
- Community Trekking: We shall be hiking the highlands of Tigray and Lalibela. Here will shall be hiking as we explore the lives of the locals with a summit to offer us stunning views of the surrounding areas.
- Bahir Dar, Gonder, and Axum: These are old towns with a lot of experience from architecture, spiritual experiences all in the northern region of the country.
- Harar: This is reffered to as the walled city of eastern Ethiopia. This town is abit different from the other old towns of Northern Ethiopia. You will be marveled by the views of the setting sun.
- Rift Valley: The rift valley carries a lot of features of the country including the Bale Mountains, the Omo valley and many other small lakes. You will be awed while adventuring here.
Like most national parks in Africa and Ethiopia, it is important that you mid your security since this a wilderness and therefore make sure you keep a safe distance from the animals and also don’t stray from the group. Here are some other tips.
- Make sure you read and follow the park regulations like staying on the trails and avoid disrupting the animals.
- These are wild animals even when they appear peaceful, do not attempt to touch them.
- Keep a safe distance from the animals more so the predators like hyenas, leopards and lions.
- This area can be hot most of the time so it is important to stay hydrated. Carry a lot of water.
- Do no litter. Put the waste in the designated places.
- Stay with the guide or the group for your own safety.
- Try as much as possible to respect the locals and their traditions. Do not take pictures without asking.
