2 Days Wildlife Safari to Awash National Park

Awash is Ethiopia’s accessible safari escape, with a good mix of Rift Valley scenery and wildlife in just two days. You leave Addis Ababa by road, spend the night near the park, and look for oryx, kudu, gazelles, warthogs, baboons, and colobus monkeys.

I like the private air-conditioned transport and the fact that breakfast, lunch, dinner, park fees, guides, and lodging are bundled into the $358.98 price. I also like the two different settings: a game drive in Awash, followed by hot springs and river wildlife at Sodere.

The main concern is current park access. One booking account reported that a game drive was cancelled because of a long security closure, along with confusion over the hotel and a late guide. Confirm that Awash National Park is open and that Genet Hotel is available before you leave Addis.

Key points to know before booking

• Two game drives: An afternoon outing on the Ilala Sala Plain is followed by an early morning drive.
• Awash Falls included: The waterfall offers a scenic break from wildlife viewing and is described as a small-scale version of Victoria Falls.
• Sodere adds a second experience: Hot spring waters, shade, vervet monkeys, and possible crocodile sightings make the return trip more than a simple drive back.
• Meals and lodging are covered: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one night at Genet Hotel are included.
• Small group, private vehicle: The vehicle is private and air-conditioned, with a maximum group size of 10.
• Check conditions first: Security and park access can affect the advertised schedule.

From Addis Ababa to the Awash Rift Valley

The trip begins at 8:30 a.m. at Nega City Mall in Kazanchis, Addis Ababa. The route first heads south through the Rift Valley, then turns east toward Awash National Park.

That road journey is part of the experience. You are leaving the highland capital for a drier part of Ethiopia, and the scenery changes as you go. The tour is best suited to you if you are comfortable spending much of the first day in a vehicle. The schedule describes a long transfer, not a quick hop from Addis to a nearby reserve.

There is a small scheduling point worth checking. The itinerary says to depart early in the morning, while the stated meeting time is 8:30 a.m. Confirm the exact pickup time with Ethio Travel and Tours before departure, especially if you are staying at a hotel rather than meeting at the listed mall.

The pickup and return point is Nega City Mall, also written as Kazanchis. At the end of the trip, you return to that same meeting point. Round-trip transport is supplied in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in a hot, dry region and makes the long road sections easier.

An afternoon among Awash wildlife

After arriving at the park, you have lunch and some time to rest. That pause is useful. The first day includes a long drive, and the afternoon outing is short rather than an all-day safari.

The game drive takes place on the Ilala Sala Plain in the southern part of Awash National Park. This is the main wildlife portion of the tour. You might see oryx, baboons, greater kudu, warthogs, gazelles, and colobus monkeys.

No safari can promise sightings, and this is especially true on a short visit with only two drives. Still, the list of possible animals gives you a clear idea of what makes Awash appealing. You are not coming only for large predators. The experience centers on open-country animals, primates, and the chance to see wildlife in a dry Rift Valley setting.

A local guide leads the drive, with a scout provided where needed. That local support is important because animal sightings depend on knowing the area and reading the conditions. The tour does not specify the type of safari vehicle, so ask what vehicle will be used and how the group will be arranged.

Awash River Falls and the first night

The afternoon program also includes a visit to Awash River Falls. The waterfall is described as a scaled-down version of Victoria Falls, so keep your expectations sensible. It is a scenic stop within a broader park visit, not a full-day waterfall excursion.

The falls give the afternoon some variety. After time on open plains looking for animals, you get a fixed natural landmark and a chance to stretch your legs. If wildlife is quiet, this stop may become one of the most memorable parts of the first day.

Overnight accommodation is at Genet Hotel. One night is included, as are dinner and breakfast. The information provided does not specify room type, meal choices, or the hotel’s facilities, so ask for those details if comfort standards matter to you.

There is a practical warning here. One account describes an attempted change to a different, lower-quality motel and confusion about the promised accommodation. I would confirm the hotel name directly before setting out and keep the booking details available on your phone. That small step can prevent an unpleasant surprise after a long day on the road.

The early morning game drive

Day two begins with an early game drive. Morning is a sensible time to look for animals because the park is coming to life, and the cooler part of the day can be more comfortable than the afternoon.

The second drive is short, like the first. That makes this tour a sampler of Awash rather than a full wildlife expedition. You get two chances to search for animals at different times of day, but you should not book it expecting hours of continuous game viewing.

The early start also means you need to be ready before breakfast or follow the guide’s instructions about timing. Breakfast is included, but the supplied schedule does not say exactly when it is served. Confirm that detail if you need to plan medication, coffee, or a quick meal before the drive.

After the morning outing, the group leaves Awash National Park and begins the return journey to Addis Ababa. This is where the trip shifts from safari to a more relaxed hot spring stop.

Sodere hot springs on the way home

The return route takes a slight detour to Sodere, a complex of natural hot spring waters beside the Awash River. The area has lush, shady vegetation, which offers a strong contrast to the drier surroundings of the park.

You can refresh at the hot springs, and the setting gives the second day a different pace. This is not simply another wildlife stop. It is a chance to rest after the early drive and break up the journey to Addis.

Sodere also has animal interest. Vervet monkeys live on the resort grounds. Crocodiles, and less often hippos, may be seen in the nearby Awash River. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they add a useful second wildlife angle to the trip.

The schedule lists lunch after the Sodere visit, followed by the drive back to Addis Ababa. The second day therefore combines a morning in the park, a hot spring stop, lunch, and a long return transfer. Allow for a full day on the road rather than expecting to be back in the capital quickly.

What the $358.98 price covers

At $358.98 per person, this is not a budget day trip. The price makes more sense when you count what is included:

• Round-trip transport from Addis Ababa
• An air-conditioned vehicle
• One night at Genet Hotel
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Two game drives
• Local guides and a scout when needed
• Park entrance fees listed in the program

The strongest value comes from convenience. You do not have to arrange transport, find a hotel near Awash, buy park entry separately, or organize meals on the road. For a first visit to Ethiopia, that bundled approach can be worth paying for.

The value is weaker if you want a long safari with repeated wildlife drives. You are paying for transport, lodging, meals, and a compact park visit, not for a high number of hours in the bush. The tour also excludes alcoholic drinks, camera or video fees if required, internet, telephone, fax, and personal expenses.

Ask about any camera or video charge before departure. The information says such fees are not included, but it does not state the amount or exactly when they apply.

Group size, transport, and practical comfort

The tour has a maximum of 10 participants, and the vehicle is described as private and air-conditioned. That is a useful combination for a long road journey, though the word private can be worth clarifying if you are booking as a small party. Ask if the vehicle is reserved only for your booking or shared within the group limit.

Pickup is offered, but the stated start point is Nega City Mall in Kazanchis. If you expect door-to-door hotel pickup, confirm it rather than assuming it. The tour ends back at the meeting point, not at a separate hotel address.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation. No special fitness level is stated, but you should be comfortable with long road transfers, an early morning start, and getting in and out of a vehicle during game drives.

The mobile ticket and booking confirmation make the arrangements simple. Still, I would save the provider’s contact information and confirm the departure, accommodation, park status, and pickup point shortly before travel.

The most important issue: current park access

The security warning deserves more weight than the standard booking details. One account says Awash National Park had been closed for two years because of security concerns, resulting in the first game drive being cancelled. The same account describes a late guide and an attempt to use a different motel.

That does not prove the tour is always disrupted, but it is enough to require a direct check before payment becomes nonrefundable. Ask four clear questions:

• Is Awash National Park open on your travel date?
• Will both game drives operate as described?
• Is the overnight stay definitely at Genet Hotel?
• What time and location will pickup use?

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, changes and cancellations are not accepted, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund. Park security or closure is not explained in the cancellation terms, so get the current situation in writing if possible.

Who will enjoy this two-day safari

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a manageable introduction to Ethiopian wildlife without arranging every piece yourself. It fits someone with limited time in Addis Ababa who likes road scenery, open plains, waterfalls, hot springs, and a chance to see several kinds of animals.

It also suits you if you prefer a small group and want meals, lodging, transport, and entry fees handled together. The air-conditioned vehicle is a practical advantage, particularly during the long transfer between Addis Ababa and Awash.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is a serious wildlife itinerary. Two short drives may produce good sightings, but they may also be quiet. You should also reconsider if you dislike long road journeys or need a firmly guaranteed hotel and park schedule.

Should you book the Awash trip?

Book it if you want a compact, all-inclusive introduction to Awash and you value the combination of wildlife, Awash Falls, and Sodere hot springs. The $358.98 cost can be fair when the transport, meals, lodging, guides, and park fees all operate as promised.

Before booking, contact Ethio Travel and Tours and verify current security conditions, park access, the two game drives, and the Genet Hotel reservation. If those points are confirmed, this can be a practical two-day escape from Addis Ababa. If the operator cannot give clear answers, choose a flexible alternative, because a cancelled game drive changes the value of the whole trip.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Nega City Mall in Kazanchis, Addis Ababa. The listed address is Tito Street, and the end point is the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 8:30 a.m. The itinerary also describes an early morning departure, so confirm the exact pickup time with the provider.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately two days and includes one overnight stay.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. One night at Genet Hotel is included in the tour.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

How many game drives are included?

Two game drives are included, one on the first afternoon and one early on the second morning.

Is transport included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from Addis Ababa is included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.