Awash National Park is a stunning natural reserve located in the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia, about 225 kilometers east of the capital, Addis Ababa. Established in 1966, it covers an area of approximately 756 square kilometers and is one of the oldest and most visited national parks in Ethiopia.
The park is named after the Awash River, which runs through its heart, forming a series of beautiful waterfalls, gorges, and hot springs. The landscape of Awash National Park is diverse, ranging from savannah grasslands and acacia woodlands to volcanic formations and rocky outcrops, creating a unique and picturesque environment that is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.
One of the main attractions of Awash National Park is its abundant wildlife, which includes numerous species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to see iconic African animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and baboons, as well as more elusive species such as cheetahs, hyenas, and oryx. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 450 species of birds recorded, including ostriches, eagles, vultures, and hornbills.