Harar and Dire Dawa

The Great Rift Valley in Ethiopia offers a stunning landscape and diverse cultural attractions. A tour of the Great Rift Valley in Ethiopia can be an enriching experience.

Harar and Dire Dawa

Unique cultural experience

Overview

Both Dire Dawa and Harar are the commonly known places when one is planning to do a tour to the eastern part of the country. These historical cities have played significant roles in Ethiopian history and religion. Dire Dawa is popular for its colorful markets and ancient railway stations. Whereas Harar is the fourth most important religious center for Islam, and this beautiful city preserves one of the 10 UNESCO sites in Ethiopia. And, it is only in Harar where you can see a man feeding a wild hyena with a tiny stick on his mouth and handing over meat to the wild animal.

Dire Dawa is served by a station on the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway, which is located 10 km northwest of the city center close to the town of Melka Jebdu. In addition, Dire Dawa is served by the Ethio-Djibouti Railways with its western terminus located in the city center.

Duration

3 Days (2 Nights)

Suggested Accommodations

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa then Connecting a flight to Dire Dawa

Generally speaking, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the destination of any international flights. Next, you’ll make your way to a domestic terminal where you’ll board an hour-long flight to Dire Dawa. Your day in Dire Dawa will begin with a visit to the busy Kefira Market, where you can take in the lively local shopping scene adorned with a variety of real marketing attributes. The historic Railway Station, which was important to Ethiopia’s transportation history, will also be on your tour plan. Continue your exploration of Dire Dawa, a quaint old town renowned for its distinctive architecture and rich cultural legacy. The Hamoudi Mosque, one of Ethiopia’s oldest mosques, will be your last stop.

Day 2: Dire Dawa to Harar

The distance between is 50km, and it will take an hour or so to reach Harar from Dire Dawa. Explore the walled city of Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with winding passageways, brightly coloured homes, and historic mosques, as soon as you arrive. To discover more about the history and culture of the city, go to the Harar Museum. Wander throughout Harar’s busy marketplaces, like the well-known Rimbaud House Market, where coffee, spices, and a variety of traditional crafts are marketed colorfully. You will go to the outskirts of Harar in the evening to have the exciting and unusual experience of feeding the amiable hyenas at the Hyena Man’s House.

Day 3: Harar - Dire Dawa - Addis Ababa

Today is dedicated to visiting the Harari Cultural Center, where the cultural heritage of the Harari people, including their language, music, and traditional crafts are displayed. After that, you will visit the colorful Harar Central Market, where you can find a wide range of local products, including textiles, spices, and traditional medicines. In the afternoon, depart from Harar and head back to Dire Dawa. From Dire Dawa, you will take a late afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa, where you will spend your last evening and goodbye meal before heading home.

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.

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