Duration
5-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
This tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through some of Ethiopia's most iconic birding and cultural hotspots. Begin with a scenic drive to Awash National Park, where you'll explore diverse wildlife and birdlife, including hyenas during an evening game drive. Continue to Dire Dawa, a city rich in culture and wetlands filled with migratory birds. Visit Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage city with a vibrant history, ancient architecture, and incredible birdwatching opportunities.
Plan snapshot
Duration
5-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Awash NP, Harar (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
8 years
Activities
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs - Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Meals at Own Expense
Meals
Meals at Own Expense; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This budget tour uses lodges and hotels.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request changes to this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 8 years.
Day 1
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Meals at Own Expense
Meals at Own Expense
Day 2
Mid-range hotel in Dire Dawa (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3-4
Budget hotel in Harar (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Begin your journey early from Addis Ababa, driving southeast through the Rift Valley toward Bishoftu (Debre Zeit), a picturesque town known for its stunning volcanic crater lakes. Enjoy a short stop by the serene waters of Lake Bishoftu or Lake Babogaya, perhaps with a lakeside coffee or breakfast. Continue your drive eastward toward Awash National Park, passing through arid landscapes, acacia woodlands, and rural villages along the way. After a 4 to 5-hour drive, arrive at your lodge near the Awash River, such as Awash Falls Lodge, where you can check in and rest briefly. In the late afternoon, set out through the park. As the light softens, you may spot wildlife such as oryx, gazelles, warthogs, and kudus, along with a wide variety of birds. As night approaches, head to an area where hyenas are often seen, and with a bit of luck, observe them emerging for their nocturnal activities. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Meals at own expense Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Start your day with an early morning game drive in Awash National Park, when wildlife is most active. As the sun rises over the savannah, you may encounter animals such as gazelles, warthogs, kudus, and a variety of birds moving through the cool morning air. The soft light of dawn offers excellent opportunities for photography and peaceful wildlife observation. After breakfast at the lodge, depart for Dire Dawa, traveling east across the scenic Harerge Plateau. This region is known for its lush coffee farms and chat (khat) plantations, with green hills and terraced fields stretching across the landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass through small highland villages and rural communities, offering a glimpse into daily life in this agriculturally rich part of Ethiopia. Arrive in Dire Dawa by mid to late afternoon and take time to explore the city’s vibrant local market, one of the largest and most colorful in eastern Ethiopia. Mid-range hotel located in Dire Dawa (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
After a 45-minute drive from Dire Dawa, arrive in Harar, one of Islam’s holiest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your exploration of the 16th-century walled city, wandering through its narrow alleys filled with vibrant markets and centuries-old mosques. Visit the house of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who lived in Harar in the 19th century, and explore the National and Harari Cultural Museums. Stop by the house of Ras Mekonnen, father of Emperor Haile Selassie, and step inside a traditional Harari home, known for its colorful interiors and cultural artifacts. In the evening, witness the famous Hyena Man feed wild hyenas just outside the city walls—an unforgettable and uniquely Harari tradition. Overnight at your hotel in Harar. Budget hotel located in Harar (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Begin your day with a continued exploration of Harar, diving deeper into its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and spiritual heritage. Wander through its maze-like alleys, visit lesser-known shrines, and take time to interact with locals to gain a richer understanding of Harari life. Later in the day, take an excursion to Koremi, a cliff-side village nestled in the surrounding highlands. This ancient settlement is known for its stone-built homes, traditional way of life, and dramatic views over the valleys below. Visiting Koremi offers a glimpse into pre-Islamic Harari culture, preserved in both architecture and community practices. Return to Harar in the evening and spend the night at your hotel. Budget hotel located in Harar (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Drive to Dire Dawa stopping at Ethiopia's largest "chat" market in Aweday. Fly to Addis Ababa. Optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Enat Ethiopia Tours and Travel Agency is a privately-owned Ethiopian company dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and historical treasures of Ethiopia. Founded in 2018, our agency may be relatively young, but it is built on decades of experience in the local tourism industry. Our deep-rooted knowledge, personal connections across the country, and passion for authentic travel make us one of the most trusted and insightful tour operators in Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2018)
Tour Types
Custom luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Our family of 10 traveling from both the U.S. and the U.K. booked a 10-day tour with Enat Tours, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the moment Ashu greeted us at the airport with his warm smile, we felt completely at ease. He was so friendly, easy to talk to, and right away we knew we were in good hands. Ashu is an absolutely incredible tour guide, professional, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about what he does. The way he explained the history and culture of Ethiopia was fascinating; sometimes it felt like we were watching a live documentary. His storytelling was so brilliant, especially when we got to Lalibela. I personally felt transported, completely immersed in the beauty and history of those rock-hewn churches. We explored so many amazing places: Addis Ababa, Blue Nile Falls, Lake Tana, Gondar, the Simien Mountains, and of course, Lalibela. Each destination was special in its own way, and Ashu made every moment unforgettable. He took care of every little detail, made sure we were always comfortable, and kept a smile on his face the entire time. What made this trip even more meaningful is that this was the first time our entire family had traveled together. That could’ve easily been overwhelming, but Ashu handled it all with so much grace and patience. He truly understood us, and it felt like he was part of the family by the end of the trip. Ethiopia is a beautiful country, and this tour opened our eyes and hearts in ways we’ll never forget. But what made it truly special was Ashu, his kindness, his knowledge, his energy, and that constant, genuine smile. Thank you, Ashu, for making our time in Ethiopia so memorable. You’re one of a kind, and we’re so grateful for everything you did for us!
Emily · United States
I have had a great experience with Enat Ethiopia Tours. The company was easy to get in communication with and let me know everything I needed to bring as well helped me book additional flights while in Ethiopia. With spectacular scenic views on my tours to The Churches of labella, Danakil Depression incorporated with knowledgeable warm and friendly tour guides my tours were a great experience. I will definitely use this Enat Ethiopia Tours when planning tour in Ethiopia and I would recommend to anyone doing so.
Jay Lyons · Canada
You can see why Enat is the best on trip adviser. He is such a great personality, and his explanations are easy to understand, and entertaining. TBH, I thought the tours were a bit expensive before going, but afterwards I thought the tours are underpriced. Would love to go again.
Jeremy · Japan
We had a tour with Ashu. He was educated, knowledgeable, with great English. He was able to navigate us through the city keeping us safe. He just loves his county. His passion, positivity and just pure kindness was beautiful. Highly recommend this tour guide if you ever get the chance.
Michelle · Canada
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 8 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request changes to this tour.
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs - Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Meals at Own Expense. Meals: Meals at Own Expense
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Enat Ethiopia tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Enat Ethiopia tours.
Keep comparing
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 2-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 2-Day · Enat Ethiopia tours
From
$495 pp (USD)
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 9-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 9-Day · Ethio Top Land Tours
From
$1,969 pp (USD)
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 6-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 6-Day · Ethio Top Land Tours
From
$1,034 pp (USD)