Addis Ababa: Awash National Park 2-Day Safari & Volcano Hike
ID: GYG1178617-1807047
Category:
Country: Ethiopia
Duration:
2 days
Description
Explore Awash National Park on a 2-day safari from Addis Ababa. Visit an Afar village, discover a henna cave, relax in hot springs, and hike the sunrise crater of Fantale Volcano.
Day 1: Awash Safari, Waterfalls, and Afar Culture
Begin your adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Addis Ababa. Enjoy scenic landscapes, coffee stops, and insights into the unique ecosystem of Awash.
Explore the savannah in a 4x4 with an expert wildlife spotter. Look for oryx, kudus, warthogs, Somali ostriches, crocodiles, baboons, and incredible birdlife. Walk along the canyon rim, capture panoramic photos, and feel the mist from the thundering waterfalls.
Meet the Afar people for an authentic, respectful cultural experience. Hear desert survival stories, witness a traditional welcoming ritual, and join a fire ceremony. Sip Afar salt tea and watch an optional henna painting demonstration.
Visit a secluded cultural cave decorated with natural pigments used by Afar women. Learn the meanings of the symbols and their cultural importance. Arrive at Doho Lodge surrounded by wetlands and mountains. Enjoy a sunset or night soak in natural hot-spring pools before dinner.
Day 2: Sunrise Fantale Volcano Hike and Return
Begin your ascent with a local ranger. Hike across lava fields and volcanic rock to reach the crater rim at sunrise. Watch the Rift Valley glow with color as the day begins. (Shorter hike option available.)
Return to Doho Lodge for a relaxing morning soak and a hearty breakfast overlooking the wetlands. Then, enjoy a scenic drive back to the capital with drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Highlights
- Experience a private safari through Awash National Park
- Marvel at the powerful Awash Waterfalls and deep gorge
- Visit an Afar tribal village and join a traditional fire ceremony
- Discover a rarely visited henna cave with cultural explanations
- Stay at Doho Lodge, with access to natural hot-spring pools
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Sunrise Fantale hike requires moderate fitness
Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & hiking shoes
Swimsuit needed for hot-spring pools
Afar village visit is respectful and non-intrusive
Accommodation at Doho Lodge is simple, clean, and located in nature
INCLUDED
- Private 4x4 vehicle with professional driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- Awash National Park safari
- Mount Fantale ranger guide
- Afar village visit & fire ceremony
- Henna cave visit
- Doho Lodge hot-spring access
- Lunch, dinner, breakfast
- Bottled water & snacks
- Hotel or airport pickup & drop-off
NOT INCLUDED
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips (optional)
- BBQ with the tribes (if needed)
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.