Awash Falls Lodge

Imagine sitting in a traditionally styled tukul overlooking a charging waterfall, the last of the sun is just sinking behind acacias, there’s the crackling of an open fire just starting to take on the evening glow and there’s a permeating smell of roasting coffee beans.

In just under 3 hours drive east of Addis (215 km), it’s possible to lose yourself completely to nature. In prime location, the newly constructed Awash Falls Lodge is within sprays distance from the Awash River Falls.

Built in the thick of trees and bush of the Park, it’s a blend of natural, basic and rustic - creating an ambience for those who love outdoors and want to be at one with nature, but at the same time, to have comfort and safety.

The Lodge has 20 rooms that can accommodate up to 40 guests and can organise conferences and meetings. Tukuls and huts sleep singles, doubles, twins and triples. All the buildings skilfully make use of available raw materials. Some are adapted from the local Kereyu tribe design and are made from bamboo, juniperus and sticks, others are thatched and open roofed. An open aired restaurant with a lookout deck gives uninterrupted views of the surrounding parklands.

Within minutes you can walk to the main waterfall, which in times of full flow, can divide into 6 different impressive falls. A resident guide can point out flora and fauna on a trip into the northern part of the Park which takes you to pristine clear hot mineral pools where you can dip in more than 38 degrees Celsius and an area where bird watching is at its best. 454 bird species have been recorded in the Park. Early morning you can see wildlife such as oryxes, baboons, greater and lesser kudus, warthogs, gazelles and crocodiles. Some wild animals are commonly seen any time of the day while others are secretive and you need to consult the Lodge guide for the best time and place for viewing. There’s a resident researcher studying the habitat of the Hamadryas baboon and is well worth seeking out to hear some of his captivating stories. For the adventurous, there’s a trip to the top of Fentale Crater for outstanding views. A small museum close to the lodge has an interesting collection of birds, reptiles and mammals giving some idea of what used to be around.

Then you can just find a posy in one of the many shaded sitting areas and be mesmerised by the flow of the water and sounds of nature.
For more information: Telephone: 0116 530 245/0912 770 965 Email: etta@ethionet.et awashfallslodge.com