Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey to two of Eastern Ethiopia's most captivating destinations. Discover Harar, the enchanting "City of Harmony," a UNESCO World Heritage site encircled by ancient walls. Then, venture into the Great Rift Valley to explore Awash National Park, a haven for diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Harar, considered the fourth holiest city of Islam, will mesmerize you with its maze-like alleys, traditional homes, vibrant markets, and the unique nightly ritual of feeding wild hyenas. Further west, Awash National Park offers classic African safari experiences with opportunities to see oryx, gazelles, baboons, and the spectacular Awash Falls. These tours offer a perfect blend of rich cultural immersion and thrilling wildlife adventure.
Top Attractions in Harar:
- Harar Jegol Wall: Explore the ancient UNESCO-listed wall with its five historic gates.
- Hyena Feeding: Witness the unique tradition of feeding wild hyenas by hand.
- Vibrant Markets: Immerse yourself in the sights and smells of the spice and recycle markets.
- Rimbaud Centre: Visit the former home of French poet Arthur Rimbaud.
- Traditional Harari Houses: Tour unique homes with distinctive interior decorations.
3-Day Tour to the Heavenly City of Harar
This tour focuses on the enchanting city of Harar, a place steeped in history and culture. Explore its mazelike alleys, visit ancient mosques and vibrant markets, and experience the unique peaceful coexistence of its diverse population.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Start your journey with a morning flight from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you on a scenic 55km drive to the historic city of Harar.
Activities: As you travel, you’ll pass through vibrant small open markets, offering a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the region. Arrive in Harar in the late afternoon, check into your pre-booked hotel, and enjoy a relaxing dinner.
Overnight: Hotel in Harar | Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour to discover Harar. Your local guide will lead you through the walled city, offering rich insights into its history and cultural heritage.
Morning: Walk through the ancient streets, exploring the city’s centuries-old defensive walls and gates. Visit bustling local markets and unique traditional Harari homes.
Afternoon: Return to your hotel for a late lunch and rest before the evening's main event.
Evening: Experience the highlight of Harar: the hyena feeding ritual. Watch as the 'Hyena Man' calls and feeds wild hyenas by hand, a tradition passed down through generations. This unforgettable spectacle starts after 6:30 PM.
Overnight: Hotel in Harar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast and checkout, your driver will take you back to Dire Dawa. You'll spend some time exploring the city before your flight.
Activities: In Dire Dawa, visit the colonial quarter of Kezira with its historic railway station and the old town of Megala with its Islamic-style architecture and bustling Kafira Market.
Evening: After your tour of Dire Dawa, head to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, marking the end of your memorable trip.
Overnight: Departure | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
3-Day Excursion to Awash National Park
Embark on a 3-day adventure to Awash National Park, where you’ll explore Ethiopia’s stunning Rift Valley landscapes and abundant wildlife. This safari offers exciting game drives, iconic waterfalls, and a relaxing stay in the heart of nature.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
We'll pick you up from the airport or your hotel in Addis Ababa and begin the 225 km journey east into the Great Rift Valley towards Awash National Park. The park covers 756 square kilometers of acacia woodlands and grasslands.
Afternoon: Arrive at the park by midday and check in at your lodge. After lunch, you'll embark on your first game drive, where you may encounter Beisa oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle, baboons, kudu, and warthogs.
Overnight: Lodge in Awash NP | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, set out for a full day of exploration in the park.
Morning: A morning game drive offers the best chance to see wildlife. We will also visit the breathtaking Awash Falls, where the Awash River cascades into a massive gorge – a perfect spot for photography.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at your lodge or a scenic picnic spot. In the afternoon, you can choose between more wildlife viewing, a birdwatching session, or a guided nature walk to explore the unique flora of the region.
Overnight: Lodge in Awash NP | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, embark on one last short game drive. Optionally, you can visit a nearby Afar village for a cultural experience before heading back to the capital.
Afternoon: Check out from your accommodation and begin the drive back to Addis Ababa, arriving by late afternoon.
Evening: The tour concludes with a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant in Addis Ababa before we transfer you to the airport for your departure or to a hotel of your choice.
Overnight: Departure/Hotel on request | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Price Information
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