Harar and Awash National Park Tours

Harar and Awash National Park

Eastern Ethiopia with its Islamic influence provides a fascinating contrast to the rest of the country. Explore the ancient walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Islam's holiest cities, combined with wildlife viewing in Awash National Park.

Cultural & Natural Highlights

Ancient Walled City of Harar

Explore the 16th century walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the fourth most important city in the Islamic world, with its 99 mosques and unique architecture.

Awash National Park Wildlife

Experience Ethiopia's oldest wildlife reserve, home to over 460 bird species, oryx, gazelles, baboons, and the spectacular Awash Falls on the Awash River.

Hyena Feeding Ritual

Witness the unique tradition of the "Hyena Man" who feeds hyenas by hand each night outside Harar's walls, a practice dating back generations.

Harar, Eastern Ethiopia

3 Days / 2 Nights

Journey to Ethiopia's Islamic Cultural Heartland

Day 01: Addis Ababa - Harar

Fly from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa on Ethiopian Airlines. Continue by vehicle from Dire Dawa to Harar. Stroll through the 16th century walled city of Harar, the fourth most important city in the Islamic World. See the home of Arthur Rimbaud, renowned French poet who worked and lived in Harar as a "gun-runner" during the 19th century.

Walled City Tour Arthur Rimbaud House Overnight Lodge

Day 02: Harar

Visit the colorful Islamic market. Tour the National and Harari museums and the house of Ras Mekonnen (father of Haile Selassie). In the evening see the "Hyena Man" feeding the hyenas that gather nightly outside the town.

Islamic Market National & Harari Museums Hyena Feeding Overnight Lodge

Day 03: Harar - Addis Ababa

Drive from Harar to Dire Dawa with optional stop at Ethiopia's largest "chat" market in Aweday. From Dire Dawa, fly to Addis Ababa. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.

Chat Market (Optional)

Awash National Park and Harar

5 Days / 4 Nights

Wildlife Adventure and Cultural Exploration

Day 01: Addis Ababa - Awash National Park

Drive to Awash National Park via the Rift Valley Lake of Bishoftu near Debre Zeit. Take an evening game drive in Awash National Park and visit an area frequented by hyenas.

Evening Game Drive Hyena Area Overnight Hotel

Day 02: Awash National Park - Dire Dawa

Early morning game viewing. Afterwards, drive to Dire Dawa via the Harege Plateau, a region of coffee and chat plantations. Arrive in the afternoon to tour the local market.

Morning Game Viewing Harege Plateau Coffee Plantations Overnight Hotel

Day 03: Dire Dawa - Harar

Drive to Harar (45 minutes). Stroll through the 16th century walled city of Harar, the fourth most important city in the Islamic World. See the home of Arthur Rimbaud, renowned French poet who worked and lived in Harar as a "gun-runner" during the 19th century. Visit the National and Harari museums; the house of Ras Mekonnen (father of Haile Selassie); and a traditional Harari home. In the evening see the "Hyena Man" feeding the hyenas that gather nightly outside the town.

Walled City Tour Museums Visit Traditional Harari Home Hyena Feeding Overnight Hotel

Day 04: Harar Excursion

Continue with tour of Harar. Take an excursion to visit homes in the cliff-side village of Koremi, offering stunning views and insight into traditional life.

Koremi Village Excursion Scenic Views Overnight Hotel

Day 05: Harar - Addis Ababa

Drive to Dire Dawa stopping at Ethiopia's largest "chat" market in Aweday. Fly to Addis Ababa. Optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.

Chat Market Visit Souvenir Shopping Farewell Dinner

Discover Eastern Ethiopia's Rich Heritage

Experience the unique blend of Islamic culture in ancient Harar and the diverse wildlife of Awash National Park. From hyena feeding rituals to scenic Rift Valley landscapes, this region offers unforgettable experiences.

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