Awash National Park is one of Ethiopia’s oldest and most spectacular protected areas, located about 225 km east of Addis Ababa. Renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, the Awash River, waterfalls, hot springs, and abundant wildlife, the park is home to Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelles, hamadryas baboons, crocodiles, and more than 450 bird species.
Whether you’re planning a luxury safari, a family holiday, or a budget-friendly wildlife adventure, choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference. This guide highlights the 10 best safari lodges, tented camps, and villas in and around Awash National Park, comparing their amenities, traveller ratings, and suitability for different types of visitors.
Best Safari Lodges in Awash National Park at a Glance
| Accommodation | Type | Traveller Rating | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doho Lodge & Hot Springs | Eco Lodge | 4.2/5 ⭐ | Premium | Couples & Nature Lovers |
| Kuriftu Resort & Spa Awash Falls | Luxury Resort | New Property | Luxury | Luxury Safaris |
| Awash Falls Lodge | Safari Lodge | 4.2/5 ⭐ | Premium | Wildlife Viewing |
| Buffet d’Aouache Hotel | Hotel | Limited Reviews | Standard | Budget Travelers |
| Noora Beyouna Village Eco Resort | Eco Resort | Limited Reviews | Premium | Families |
| Beynouna Village Eco Lodge | Eco Lodge | Limited Reviews | Standard | Eco-tourism |
| Bilen Lodge | Safari Lodge | 3.0/5 ⭐ | Standard | Birdwatchers |
| Genet Hotel | Hotel | Limited Reviews | Standard | Overnight Stay |
| Kebsh International Lodge | Lodge | Limited Reviews | Standard | Self-drive Visitors |
| Ankober Palace Lodge* | Mountain Lodge | Limited Reviews | Premium | Extended Ethiopia Tours |
1. Doho Lodge & Hot Springs
Located near the southern edge of Awash National Park, Doho Lodge & Hot Springs is one of the region’s most popular safari accommodations. The lodge is famous for its natural geothermal pools, eco-friendly cottages, and peaceful setting surrounded by palm trees. Guests can relax in warm mineral-rich springs after a day of wildlife viewing while enjoying spectacular birdlife around the property.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐
- Natural hot springs
- Comfortable eco-cottages
- Restaurant and bar
- Guided wildlife excursions
- Excellent birdwatching
Best For: Couples, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
2. Kuriftu Resort & Spa Awash Falls
Kuriftu Resort & Spa Awash Falls is the newest luxury accommodation in the Awash region. Offering spacious rooms, elegant interiors, fine dining, a wellness spa, and stunning river views, it is designed for travellers seeking a premium safari experience. As a relatively new property, it is still building a substantial review base.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: New Property (Not yet widely rated)
- Luxury suites
- Spa and wellness centre
- Infinity swimming pool
- River-view restaurant
- High-end safari experience
Best For: Honeymooners, luxury travellers, and couples.
3. Awash Falls Lodge
Situated close to the iconic Awash Falls, this lodge provides one of the best locations inside the national park. Many rooms overlook the Awash River, allowing guests to enjoy wildlife and birdlife directly from their balconies. The lodge also offers guided game drives and easy access to the park’s main attractions.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐
- Excellent location
- River-view cabins
- Guided safaris
- Restaurant
- Wildlife viewing
Best For: Safari enthusiasts and photographers.
4. Buffet d’Aouache Hotel
One of the longest-established accommodations in the park, Buffet d’Aouache Hotel offers affordable lodging with easy access to safari routes. Although the facilities are simple, it remains a convenient option for travellers prioritising location and value.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: Limited Reviews
- Budget-friendly
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Close to park attractions
Best For: Budget-conscious travellers.
5. Noora Beyouna Village Eco Resort
Noora Beyouna Village Eco Resort combines Ethiopian-inspired architecture with modern comfort. The property focuses on sustainability while providing spacious accommodation, landscaped gardens, and opportunities to experience local culture alongside wildlife adventures.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: Limited Reviews
- Eco-friendly resort
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Cultural experiences
Best For: Families and eco-conscious travellers.
6. Beynouna Village Eco Lodge
This peaceful eco-lodge offers visitors a relaxing stay in a natural environment. Traditional-style cottages, locally prepared meals, and personalised hospitality make it an excellent choice for travellers wanting an authentic Ethiopian experience.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: Limited Reviews
- Eco cottages
- Local cuisine
- Quiet surroundings
- Nature walks
Best For: Sustainable tourism.
7. Bilen Lodge
Located near important bird habitats, Bilen Lodge is a favourite among birdwatchers visiting the Awash region. The lodge provides comfortable accommodation and organised birding excursions throughout nearby wetlands and acacia forests.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 3.0/5 ⭐
- Birdwatching tours
- Comfortable rooms
- Scenic location
- Guided excursions
Best For: Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
8. Genet Hotel
Genet Hotel is located in Awash town and serves as a convenient overnight stop before or after exploring the national park. It offers basic but comfortable accommodation with a restaurant and secure parking.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: Limited Reviews
- Budget accommodation
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Convenient location
Best For: Overnight travellers.
9. Kebsh International Lodge
Popular with travellers driving between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, Kebsh International Lodge provides comfortable rooms, local cuisine, and a practical base for visiting Awash National Park.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: Limited Reviews
- Comfortable rooms
- Restaurant
- Secure parking
- Highway access
Best For: Self-drive safaris.
10. Ankober Palace Lodge
Although not located inside Awash National Park, Ankober Palace Lodge is often included in extended Ethiopian safari itineraries. Set in the scenic Ethiopian Highlands, it offers panoramic mountain views, hiking opportunities, and a cooler climate after visiting the lowlands.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: Limited Reviews
- Historic setting
- Mountain views
- Restaurant
- Hiking opportunities
Best For: Multi-destination Ethiopia tours.
Accommodation Comparison
| Lodge | Traveller Rating | Luxury Level | Restaurant | Family Friendly | Wildlife Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doho Lodge & Hot Springs | 4.2/5 ⭐ | Premium | ✓ | ✓ | Excellent |
| Kuriftu Resort & Spa | New Property | Luxury | ✓ | ✓ | Excellent |
| Awash Falls Lodge | 4.2/5 ⭐ | Premium | ✓ | ✓ | Excellent |
| Buffet d’Aouache Hotel | Limited Reviews | Standard | ✓ | ✓ | Good |
| Noora Beyouna Eco Resort | Limited Reviews | Premium | ✓ | ✓ | Good |
| Beynouna Village Eco Lodge | Limited Reviews | Standard | ✓ | ✓ | Good |
| Bilen Lodge | 3.0/5 ⭐ | Standard | ✓ | ✓ | Very Good |
| Genet Hotel | Limited Reviews | Standard | ✓ | ✓ | Fair |
| Kebsh International Lodge | Limited Reviews | Standard | ✓ | ✓ | Fair |
| Ankober Palace Lodge | Limited Reviews | Premium | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
Which Lodge Should You Choose?
| If You Want… | Recommended Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Safari Experience | Doho Lodge & Hot Springs |
| Luxury Stay | Kuriftu Resort & Spa Awash Falls |
| Stay Inside the Park | Awash Falls Lodge |
| Budget Accommodation | Buffet d’Aouache Hotel |
| Birdwatching | Bilen Lodge |
| Eco-Friendly Stay | Noora Beyouna Village Eco Resort |
| Family Holiday | Doho Lodge & Hot Springs |
| Scenic Extension | Ankober Palace Lodge |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best safari lodge in Awash National Park?
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs is widely regarded as the best all-round option thanks to its excellent location, natural hot springs, eco-friendly accommodation, and strong traveller ratings.
Are there luxury lodges in Awash National Park?
Yes. Kuriftu Resort & Spa Awash Falls is the leading luxury property in the region, offering premium accommodation, spa facilities, and upscale dining.
Can I stay inside Awash National Park?
Yes. Awash Falls Lodge and Buffet d’Aouache Hotel are among the accommodations located within or immediately adjacent to the national park.
Which lodge is best for birdwatching?
Bilen Lodge is particularly popular with birdwatchers due to its proximity to wetlands and excellent birding locations around the Awash ecosystem.
How many nights should I spend in Awash National Park?
A stay of 2–3 nights is ideal, allowing enough time for game drives, birdwatching, hiking, visits to Awash Falls, and relaxing in the nearby hot springs.
What is the best time to visit Awash National Park?
The dry season from October to February offers the best wildlife viewing, comfortable temperatures, and excellent road conditions for safari activities.
Final Thoughts
Awash National Park remains one of Ethiopia’s most rewarding safari destinations, offering dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and excellent birdwatching within easy reach of Addis Ababa. Whether you’re seeking the relaxing geothermal pools of Doho Lodge & Hot Springs, the luxury of Kuriftu Resort & Spa Awash Falls, or the prime wildlife access of Awash Falls Lodge, there is accommodation to suit every travel style and budget.
For the best experience, book your lodge well in advance during the peak dry season, and consider combining your stay with visits to nearby attractions for a more comprehensive Ethiopian safari adventure.
