Duration
6-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
Explore Ethiopia's rich culture and stunning landscapes on this unique journey through Harar, Awash National Park, and the Bale Mountains. Experience the vibrant streets of historic Harar, witness the lively Babile Camel Market, and encounter Ethiopia's rare wildlife and endemic birds in Awash and Bale. Trek through breathtaking highlands and lush forests while discovering the natural and cultural wonders of this incredible country.
Plan snapshot
Duration
6-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Harar (Town), Awash NP, Bale Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Grand Gato Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Harar (Town) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and hotels.
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 10 people per group.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Single travelers can join this group tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Day 1-2
Mid-range hotel in Harar (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-5
Luxury lodge inside Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Lunch 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 with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred by vehicle to the historic city of Harar, about a one-hour drive. Explore the winding streets of this 16th-century walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the fourth holiest city in the Islamic world. Discover its vibrant markets, ancient houses, and stunning Islamic architecture. In the evening, witness the unique tradition of feeding the wild hyenas that gather nightly just outside the city—a fascinating spectacle that has captivated visitors for generations. Overnight: Grand Gato Hotel, Harar. Mid-range hotel located in Harar (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
After breakfast, embark on a morning drive to Babile to experience the famous Babile Camel Market, held every Monday and Thursday. Witness the vibrant trade where Somali and Hadere Oromo semi-nomadic communities bring their magnificent camels for sale, offering a rare glimpse into traditional Ethiopian pastoral life. Buyers arrive from Jijiga, Harar, and surrounding areas, making it a truly bustling and colorful market scene. In the afternoon, return to Harar and explore its rich cultural heritage. Visit the home of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, stroll through the colorful Islamic market, and discover the Harari National Museum and the historic house of Ras Mekonnen, father of Emperor Haile Selassie. Overnight: Grand Gato Hotel, Harar. Mid-range hotel located in Harar (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Itinerary Description: After breakfast, depart Harar and drive approximately 6 hours (300 km) to Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most visited and scenic parks. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes as you approach this wildlife-rich destination. Upon arrival, explore the park, home to over 460 bird species, including the rare yellow-throated seedeater and somber rock chat. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s gazelles, dik-diks, kudus, warthogs, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and jackals also roam the park. After a full day of wildlife viewing and birdwatching, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening. Overnight: Doho Lodge, Awash. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
After an early breakfast, depart Awash and set out on a full-day scenic drive to Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most breathtaking natural areas. As you approach from Dodola, marvel at dramatic ridges and fortress-like escarpments that rise above rolling valleys. The journey itself offers remarkable wildlife spotting opportunities in the Gaysay Grasslands, home to Ethiopia’s densest concentration of large mammals. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and take some time to relax while soaking in the serene highland landscapes. The Bale Mountains, with their alpine lakes, waterfalls, and vast vistas, provide an unforgettable introduction to Ethiopia’s highland wilderness. Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Today, embark on an exciting excursion to the Sanetti Plateau in Bale Mountains National Park, soaring over 4,377 meters above sea level. This high-altitude wonderland is home to Ethiopia’s rarest wildlife, including the endangered Ethiopian wolf, Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and the unique Bale Monkey. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting numerous endemic species, making the plateau one of Africa’s premier birding destinations. Continue your exploration with a trek through the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia’s second-largest tropical forest and the country’s only cloud forest. Discover moss-draped trees, giant heather woods, and a rich diversity of wildlife including colobus monkeys, baboons, warthogs, and occasionally elusive large carnivores like lions, leopards, and wild dogs. The day offers a perfect blend of trekking, wildlife viewing, and immersive natural beauty. Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
After breakfast, transfer from your lodge to Bale Goba Airport to catch your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Bole International Airport for your departure flight home. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your journey, from the historic streets of Harar to the wildlife-rich landscapes of Awash and the breathtaking highlands of Bale Mountains. End of Tour. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
Offered by
Discover Ethiopia's wonders with us! Ethio Wildlife Tours: is a private Tour & Travel company, Established in Ethiopia,we offer unforgettable wildlife,cultural & historical tours. Our experienced teams specializes in creating unique experiences,showcasing the breathtaking beauty and rich diversity of Ethiopia.We are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism,ensuring minimal impact on the environment and local communities. Let us show you the true essence of Ethiopia 🇪🇹
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2018)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & 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
5.0/5I don’t usually like booking tours because of many bad experiences, however, at the time Ethiopia demanded it. I was so lucky to find Melashu’s company. It’s the most transparent, respectful, informative and well managed tour. I did the northern Ethiopian route (volcano, Danakil depression etc) and they managed to make me feel comfortable in a difficult weather environment and very safe in an area of conflict. It’s incredible to have such yummy food in the middle of nowhere! Thank you,
Yirka · Sweden
Great tour through an amazing landscape. Tour was perfectly organized, no complaints. Somewhere my shoes got lost but when I came back in Addes they were waiting for me in the hotel. Their service goes beyond. Thanks for that
Martijn · Netherlands
Just got back from a 4-day tour with Ethio Wildlife and it honestly blew me away. We visited several different tribes in Omo valley and each day was completely unique and eye-opening. The whole trip felt very genuine and respectful, not staged or touristy at all. Accommodations were simple but clean and comfortable, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. If you’re looking for something meaningful and way off the beaten path, I’d 100% recommend this experience. I came back with a full heart and a totally new perspective.
Elena Neal · United Kingdom
I contacted several tour operators in May 2025 hoping to join a group tour of the Simien mountains but since it is a slow tourist season there were none available. Ethio Wildlife were able to organize a private tour for me at a reasonable cost. They handled everything. The guide/driver/chef/scout were incredibly nice people and it was a pleasure to spend 3 days with them in the park. The guide in particular was very knowledgeable and accommodating.
Nick · United States
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 is unavailable for children.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Grand Gato Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Harar (Town) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
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 Ethio Wildlife Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
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.
Keep comparing
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 16-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 16-Day · Ethio Wildlife Tours
From
$3,960 pp (USD)
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 4-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 4-Day · Ethio Wildlife Tours
From
$770 pp (USD)
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 3-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 3-Day · Ethio Wildlife Tours
From
$495 pp (USD)