Awash National Park

Day started with a really long drive to reach the northern edge of Awash national park. Most of the drive was on winding roads across mountain top plateaus but single lane and neverending transport trucks to get past. Honestly, it was quite something getting a tiny glimpse at how the people here live. Without question, this is the poorest place I've ever been. Its not even close. Every house was either a small box made from sheet metal or mud huts. Its hard to describe everything I've seen here. I really don't even know where to start.

Drive took us over 8 hours. One nice stop for lunch at a restaurant that looked like i was eating inside of a basket. So much of the food here is really spicy. Decided to go with something safe and ordered a pizza. Nope... super spicy too!

Finally at the park lodge and the road in was completely flooded. My guide decided to chance it and we somehow got through two massive stretches of water that didn't look passable. And then finally rewarded at an incredible location. Rustic thatched rooved cabins overlooking a lake and natural hot springs on site where they built several amazing pools to soak in. So amazing.

The restaurant closed at 9 and the power was out at 10 so it was a pretty early night. But very much worth the trouble to get here.Read more