Bishoftu

Start the early morning drive from Addis to Awash via Bishoftu (Debre Zeyit). This town has multiple crater lakes, which are the result of volcanic eruptions that happened millions of years ago. Stop at Lake Hora and walk along the lake, observing various aquatic birds such as cormorants, ibises, storks, pelicans, and many other species. After spending one hour there, continue the drive to Awash via Adama (Nazareth) town.

Adama

Continue the drive and drop into the Rift Valley near Adama, the largest town close to Addis Ababa. We will stop here for coffee, then continue along the main highway toward Awash National Park. Along the way, we will pass by Fentale Mountain, a volcanic mountain that is still releasing gas. Next, we proceed to Lake Beseka, one of the lake systems fed by the Awash River. The lake sits in front of a small town called Metehara, famous for its sweet oranges and other fruits. From there, we continue the drive to Awash National Park.

Awash National Park

In the afternoon, drive to Awash National Park, the oldest and most accessible wildlife reserves. Upon arrival, game drive across the park's diverse landscapes, which range from acacia woodlands and grassy plains to volcanic ridges and riverine forests. During the drive, you will visit the Awash Falls, where the Awash River cascades through a narrow gorge—a dramatic sight, especially when the river is high. Near the falls and along the riverbanks, you can spot a variety of game animals, including oryx, Swayne's hartebeest (a rare antelope endemic to Ethiopia), bushbucks, olive baboons, and crocodiles basking near the water. The park is also a premier birding destination, hosting over 450 species of birds, such as the majestic Verreaux's eagle, the colorful carmine bee-eater, and numerous waterbirds and endemics like the yellow-throated serin. other wildlife like warthogs, lesser kudu, and, if you're lucky, even leopards or lions that occasionally roam the area.

Bishoftu

After breakfast, drive back to Awash National Park for a morning exploration. The early hours provide a great opportunity to see several bird species, as the pleasant weather encourages birds and wild animals to come out and feed. During this time, we will observe different species of birds, baboons, monkeys, and other wildlife. Following the morning exploration, continue the drive back to Addis Ababa. En route, stop in Bishoftu (Debre Zeyit) for lunch. Once there, we will take the opportunity to see another crater lake in this city—Lake Bishoftu, after which the town is named. The lake's deep blue waters, surrounded by steep volcanic crater walls, offer a scenic and relaxing break before the final leg of the journey back to Addis.