Overview
This three day tour starts and finishes in Addis Ababa. You will explore the alleyways of the ancient walled city of Harar. It once served as the Horn of Africa’s commercial hub and attracted powerful merchants and Islamic scholars from around the region. Harar’s many active mosques, lively markets, colorful mazes of alleys, and charming people will make you feel like you’ve entered a place apart from the rest of the world.
Highlights:
• Wandering a maze of hundreds of alleyways inside the city walls
• Sample the various markets that draw people from the surrounding countryside
• Feed the hyenas at night outside the city walls
Eastern Ethiopia
Itinerary
Day 1
From Addis Ababa take a morning flight to Dire Dawa. In Dire Dawa, you will be met at the airport and will transfer to Harar. From Harar, take a drive to Babile and the Valley of Marvels. The Valley of Marvels has wonderful landscapes, famous for its balancing rock formations. Additionally, the town of Babile has a very large market on Saturdays and a camel market on Mondays and Thursdays. After the visit, time permitting you may visit Koremi, a village made of stone houses set on top of a plateau. wards, return to Harar for overnight at (hotel or guesthouse).
Day 2
Today is a full day discovering the treasures hidden in the narrow alleyways of the walled city of Harar, with its colorful markets, countless mosques and shrines and unique Harari people and homes. Sites to visit include: the House of Rimbaud, Ras Tafari’s House, Ras Mekonnen’s Palace, the Harari National Cultural Center, and the tomb of Emir Nur, who built the famous Jugol, as the wall is known locally. At night you will visit the hyena man, who feeds the hyenas every night just outside the walls of the city. This tradition was started long ago to prevent these wild hyenas from hunting for food in the town. Guests are welcome, and encouraged, to feed the hyenas themselves. Overnight in Harar (hotel or guesthouse).
Day 3
In the morning, visit the last places of interest in Harar. After lunch, depart to Dire Dawa. You will have a brief visit to the lively market at Kefira before transferring to the airport for return flight to Addis Ababa.
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Cancellations are allowed if notified earlier than 48 hours prior to trip start
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers
- Dress code is casual, however, shoulders and knees must be covered inside churches and mosques
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
