2 Days Harar from Addis

The walled city of Harar, its markets and its hyena men

About The Tour

2 Days Harar Tour from Addis Ababa: The Old Walled City and the Hyena Feeding

The walled city of Harar, its markets and its hyena men

Overview

Harar is unlike anywhere else in Ethiopia. Its old walled city, Harar Jugol, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 80 mosques and shrines, colourful houses and a maze of narrow lanes, and every evening the hyena men feed wild hyenas just outside the walls.

The tour flies from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, about an hour, then drives to Harar, about an hour more. You spend the night inside or close to the old city and fly back from Dire Dawa the next afternoon.

Duration

2 Days (1 Night)

Suggested Accommodations

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Dire Dawa, Harar Old City and the Hyena Men

Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa. Drive to Harar past Lake Haramaya, about 1 hour. Walk through the old city with a local guide: Harar Gate, the Grand Mosque, the house of the poet Arthur Rimbaud, the Sherif Harar City Museum and a traditional Harari house with its painted baskets. Explore the markets, from the spice and basket sellers to the busy Christian market. After dark, watch the hyena men feed wild hyenas outside the walls. Overnight in Harar.

Day 2: Harar Markets, Dire Dawa, Fly to Addis Ababa

Morning visit to the camel market at Babile if it is a market day, or more time in the lanes of the old city. Drive back to Dire Dawa and see its old French railway station and the Kafira market before the afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.

Price and Booking

Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.

Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.

Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.

What Is Included

Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
Airport and hotel transfers
Bottled water in the vehicle
Local Harari guide in the old city
Hyena feeding fee

Not Included

International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
Travel insurance
Flights between Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa
Lunch and dinner
Drinks, tips and personal expenses

Best Time to Go

Harar can be visited all year. It is warm and mostly dry from October to February. During Ramadan the old city is especially lively after sunset, though some restaurants close during the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hyena feeding safe?

Yes. The hyena men have fed the same wild hyenas for generations. You can watch from a few metres away or, if you are brave, feed a hyena yourself from a stick.

What should I wear in Harar?

Harar is a conservative, mostly Muslim city. Clothes that cover shoulders and knees are best, and women may want a scarf to visit shrines.

Is there a longer Harar tour?

Yes. Our 3 day Harar and Dire Dawa tour gives you more time in both cities.

Tour Languages

Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.

Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.

Booking Form

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