Awash National Park is geographically located in the main Rift Valley system stretched over 756 km2 situated at 225 kms south east of Addis on the plain through which the highway and railway line leading to Dire Dawa and Djibouti passes. It is established in 1966 and is the first officially gazetted wildlife reserve in the Country. Dominated by savannah vegetation (shrub, bush, acacia and open grass lands), it’s a home for various mammal and bird species.

The main tourist attractions of the park include: Awash Falls and Filwoha hot springs.

Wildlife: The 46 major species of mammals and 453 species of birds among with six species are endemic to the country.

The park offers a good variety in wildlife but the numbers are small. The beisa oryx, Soemmering’s gazelle and Salt’s dik-dik need to be mentioned but also lesser and greater kudu, defassa waterbuck and warthog are common. Big predators like lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena (spotted and striped) are present but not often seen.

The bird species including Secretary birds, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Carmine bee eater, Abyssinian Roller and birds of riverside forest like Coucal, Turaco and Go away birds.

Species recorded: mammals’ 81 and birds 453 Charismatic species.