Awash National Park & Alledeghi Plains

The Spirit of Awash National Park

Awash National Park, the more renowned of the two, has weathered the scars of overgrazing and encroaching agro-industrial growth. Yet its soul remains undisturbed. Spanning 756 square kilometers, the park is centered around the Awash River—which plunges dramatically at the park’s signature waterfall.

Acacia-fringed grasslands, the steaming hot springs of Filwoha, and the Kudu Valley create a tapestry of habitats. Here, you can easily book an Awash wildlife safari package that takes you from the roaring cascade to secluded watering holes, where Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring’s Gazelle, and even elusive lions may appear.

Journey south to Ilala Sala Plain for a rendezvous with these graceful antelopes. But the skies steal the show: over 350 bird species—ranging from the striking Egyptian vulture to the vibrant Abyssinian roller—make this park a birder’s paradise.

Venturing into the Alledeghi Plains

Venture further into the untamed Alledeghi Plains safari region, a vast sanctuary sprawling across 1,800 square kilometers. Here, seven lion prides patrol open savannahs, while elusive cheetahs slip through the tall grasses. Northern gerenuk and Grevy’s zebra graze alongside reticulated giraffes under the Acacia woodlands. Birdlife dazzles the imagination—Somali ostrich and scissor-tailed kite wheel over the plains in spectacular flight. An Ethiopia wildlife safari that includes Alledeghi Plains ensures you encounter species found nowhere else in the country.

Cultural Tapestries of the Awash Corridor

Beyond wildlife, this area offers a rich cultural tapestry of pastoral tribes—the agriculturalist Kereyu, the Somali Issa, and the warrior-like Afar. Historically at odds, these groups now enjoy hard-earned peace and continue their unique traditions: watching camel caravans crossing salt flats, trading at seasonal markets, and performing traditional dances beneath moonlit skies. A guided Awash wildlife safari package often incorporates village visits, allowing you to witness these age-old customs firsthand.

Planning Your Safari Adventure

Both Awash National Park and the untamed Alledeghi Plains are best experienced through the gateway of Addis Ababa. Many travelers opt for a combined Ethiopia wildlife safari, beginning with a morning departure along the A1 highway, passing through the Rift Valley escarpments, and arriving at the park in time for an afternoon game drive. Overnight camps along the Awash River let you rise to the cries of baboons and the soft calls of francolins.

For those seeking expert guidance—and to streamline logistics—our curated Awash wildlife safari packages include:

• Private 4x4 vehicles with experienced drivers

• Bush breakfasts on the Ilala Sala Plain

• Night tracking to glimpse nocturnal predators

• Bird-watching tours led by experienced ornithologists

• Cultural visits to Kereyu and Afar villages

• Comfortable lodging or mobile tented camps with riverside views

Why Choose This Region?

Ethiopia’s Rift Valley is renowned, but few destinations rival the raw charm and biodiversity of Awash and Alledeghi.

• Close proximity to Addis Ababa: Reachable in under four hours, making it ideal for shorter itineraries.

• Diverse habitats: From riverine forests and hot springs to open grasslands and desert scrub.

• High wildlife density: Especially during the dry season when animals concentrate around permanent water sources.

• Cultural immersion: Engage with pastoralists whose customs date back centuries, enriching your safari with authentic local insight.

Whether you embark on an Ethiopia wildlife safari, a bespoke Awash wildlife safari package, or an Alledeghi Plains safari, this region promises unparalleled encounters—both natural and cultural.