Duration
7-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
This 7-day journey explores eastern and southern Ethiopia, combining ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and exceptional wildlife. From the walled city of Harar--one of Islam's holiest towns--to the volcanic scenery of Awash National Park and the breathtaking Afro-alpine ecosystem of Bale Mountains, this tour offers a rich mix of culture, nature, and adventure experiances.
Plan snapshot
Duration
7-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 safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
6 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Harar Ras Hotel - Budget hotel in Harar (Town) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Meals
Lunch & Dinner Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range 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 minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 6 years.
Day 1
Budget hotel in Harar (Town) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2-3
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-6
Luxury lodge inside Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Fly from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa in the morning. Upon arrival, you will enjoy the city tour visiting key Dire Dawa attractions, including historic railway sites, local markets, and colonial-era buildings that reflect the city’s multicultural heritage. After the tour, drive to Harar and check in at your hotel. Later, explore the UNESCO-listed Harar Jugol, walking through its narrow alleyways, historic mosques, and vibrant markets filled with local handicrafts. In the evening, experience the famous traditional hyena-feeding ceremony, a unique cultural tradition of Harar. Overnight stay in Harar. Budget hotel located in Harar (Town) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
This morning, depart Harar and drive toward Awash National Park, passing semi-arid landscapes, pastoral communities, and acacia woodlands. Arrive at the park in the afternoon and check in at your lodge. After lunch and a short rest, enjoy your first game drive inside the park. Awash is home to wildlife such as Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, warthogs, baboons, and diverse bird species. The dramatic scenery includes lava formations, open savannah, and riverine forests along the Awash River. As the sun sets, the park’s landscape takes on golden hues, offering excellent photo opportunities. Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge inside or near the park. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 3
Spend a full day exploring Awash National Park. After breakfast, visit the impressive Awash Falls, where the Awash River plunges into a deep gorge surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic rock formations. Continue with guided nature walks and additional game drives to observe wildlife and birdlife in different habitats. The park is especially rich in birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Learn about the park’s unique geology, hot springs, and the role of the Awash River in sustaining wildlife and local communities. Enjoy lunch at the lodge, followed by relaxation or more exploration in the afternoon. Optional activities are available at an additional cost. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 4
After breakfast, depart Awash and begin a scenic drive south toward Bale Mountains National Park. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley, agricultural highlands, and traditional villages, offering insight into rural Ethiopian life. Stop along the way for photos and refreshments. As you approach Bale, the landscape changes dramatically, with cooler temperatures, forests, and mountain views. Arrive near the park in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge. Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature, preparing for the wildlife adventures ahead. Dinner and overnight stay near Bale Mountains National Park. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 5
Today is dedicated to exploring the Dinsho area, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park. After breakfast, enjoy guided walks through grasslands and juniper forests, where you may spot mountain Nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, warthogs, and various bird species. Visit the park’s conservation center to learn about Bale’s ecological importance and ongoing wildlife protection efforts. The area offers stunning views of rolling hills and alpine scenery. In the afternoon, continue wildlife observation or relax at the lodge while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Optional activities are available with additional cost. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 6
After an early breakfast, drive to the Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa’s highest road networks and the best place to spot the rare Ethiopian wolf in its natural habitat. Explore Afro-alpine landscapes, giant lobelia plants, and wide open plains at elevations above 4,000 meters. The plateau is also home to endemic birds and small mammals. Enjoy panoramic views, photography stops, and guided exploration. Later in the afternoon, return to the lodge, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 7
After breakfast, depart Bale Mountains and return to Addis Ababa by road or domestic flight, depending on preference. Enjoy final views of Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, depend on your international flight connection the tour concludes. Optional city sightseeing, shopping for souvenirs, or cultural dinner can be arranged and end the tour. All meals included 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)
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
Ethio Backpacker Tours has established by young tourism professionals Gashaw Takele (CEO) who have excellent occurrence over decades.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
Member Of
ASTA & ITAT
Tour Types
Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5We booked a four days activity to visit Addis Ababa and the Danakil Depression with Ethio Backpacker Tours, and it was an exceptional experience. The trip was impeccably organized, and the team was amazing. I loved every aspect of the service and highly recommend them for anyone looking to explore these incredible destinations.
Maria · Spain
I was able to get a spare time for few days in Ethiopia since I came for business, but thanks to my friend's recommendation I contact with Ethio Backpacker Tours and they provided an excellent city tour in Addis Ababa. I visit the important places such as national museum, entoto park and big market merkato. Thanks for the excellent hospitalities!
Yuli · China
I recently completed a week journey through Ethiopia with Ethio Backpacker Tours, and it was truly unforgettable. The first three days in the Danakil Depression showcased the extreme beauty of one of the hottest places on Earth. From there, we spent three days exploring the Omo Valley, experiencing the vibrant culture of its diverse tribes and finally a city tour of Addis Ababa. Thank you Gashaw for such an extraordinary adventure!
Ruzan · Belgium
My trip to Ethiopia was unforgettable, thanks to Ethio Backpacker Tours! With only six days off for my holiday, I was eager to explore this beautiful country that had long been on my bucket list. Gashaw organized everything perfectly, helping me prioritize what to see in such a short time. One of the most incredible experiences was witnessing the active volcano at Erta Ale. Seeing the lava exploding in the lava lake was beyond anything I had ever imagined. The raw power of nature was awe-inspiring, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to witness it.
Bahir · Turkey
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 6 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Harar Ras Hotel - Budget hotel in Harar (Town) – Lunch & Dinner Included. Meals: Lunch & Dinner 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 Backpacker 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.
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