Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Two especially good spots to observe birds are around Filwoha Hot Springs and around
the Awash River campsites, where francolin, barbets and hoopoes are all seen. On the
plains, kori bustards are quite easily spotted, and sometimes secretary birds. An ostrich re-
introduction program has recently begun. Among the many raptors are fish eagles, lam-
mergeyer and pygmy falcons.
In the south of the park, the grassy Illala Sala Plains is the one place devoid of the dom-
inant thick acacia scrub that makes wildlife spotting tough. The beautiful beisa oryx and
Soemmering's gazelles are easily seen here. Also present are salt's dik-dik, greater and
lesser kudus (particularly in the area called Kudu Valley), defassa waterbucks, warthogs
and black-and-white colobus, which prefer the riverine forest. Lions, leopards, cheetahs,
black-backed jackals, caracals, servals, wildcats and aardwolves are also found in the
park, but thank your lucky stars if you manage to spot one of them: they're rarely seen.
Dangers & Annoyances
Armed scouts (Birr100) are compulsory. There are carnivores, but in reality the greatest
risk is from local tribespeople. If you plan to camp, you'll need two scouts.
Malaria is rife here and watch out for the baboons; they're adept camp-pillagers.
Sights & Activities
Game Drive
Perhaps better called the oryx and gazelle drive, because these are the only sure sightings.
The 30km loop that starts at the main gate cuts across the Illala Sala Plains and passes
Awash Falls.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER
Awash Falls
Just past the headquarters there are viewpoints above and below this mighty waterfall,
which tumbles into the magnificent Awash Gorge along the park's southern boundary.
Awash Lodge has a brochure for a short self-guided hike in the gorge below the falls. Park
staff tell us you can swim here because the large crocodiles don't attack people; it's up to
you whether or not you trust them. Nearby is a small museum ( 6am-6pm) filled with
dusty skins, skulls and stuffed animals, plus good written information about the wildlife.
The gorge is 150m deep and at its most beautiful by the abandoned Kereyou Lodge, a
short detour off the game drive. You can also spy a wide stretch of the gorge in Awash
WATERFALL
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