Established in 1966, which is the first National Park in Ethiopia registered under the proclamations number, with an area of about 756 square kilometers, the Park is the oldest protected area in Ethiopia dedicated to conserve the large population of Beisaoryx, wetlands and hot springs. Much of the Park, located within the northern extreme of the Main Ethiopian Rift and the southern margin of the Afar rift, is a monotonously plain area at an average elevation of 900 m.a.s.l. Notable features of the Park include the Awash River along with the spectacular valley. The National Park is holding more than 400 bird species.