7 DAYS TRIP TO HARAR

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About Tour Package

Harar, a city in eastern Ethiopia regarded as the fourth-most sacred city in Islam, following Mecca, Medina, and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. It was once a significant commerce hub, is renowned for its historic Arabic buildings and impressive city walls. The most impressive aspect of Harar’s cultural history are the mosques, which include the Grand Mosque from the sixteenth century, and the town’s homes, which exhibit the influence of both African and Islamic traditions through their exquisite interior decor. The city Is renewed for Hyena feedings, the city every evening as the “Hyena Men” bravely call these dog-like animals to come feed. Dire Dawa, the only city in Ethiopia with an urban structure that resembles a colonial metropolis which was founded by the French.

Tour Itinerary

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5 DAYS TOUR TO HARAR

Day 1 - Addis Ababa

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your reserved hotel. After time to refresh, take a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the third highest capital in the world. You will start the tour with a visit to the National Museum, home to one of the world’s most important paleontological exhibits in the world; ‘Lucy’. Next, you will visit Entoto Mountain, which overlooks the whole of Addis Ababa. Marvel at the panoramic views of the capital amidst the fresh breeze of the eucalyptus forests. Then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church. As the final resting place of much-loved Emperor Haile Selassie, Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the country’s most sacred places of worship. The city tour will end with an exploration of the colorful Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Finally, you will be transferred back to your Hotel.

Day-02 Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa (with Train)

After early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station to catch a train travelling east to Dire Dawa, best known to be the mosaic of culture and the museum of people. This city is strategically located along the newly revamped railway line linking Addis Ababa to the coast at Djibouti. This train goes right through to Djibouti, 750 km or 12 hours, away. Arrival at Dire Dawa in the afternoon and you will be transferred to your Accommodation. After a short break, visit to the historic train station. This train station is one of the most famous in the country, particularly for its Franco-Ethiopian style.

Day-03 Dire Dawa to Harar

After breakfast, you will visit the major sites in Dire Dawa. Culture from around the country, and the culture of the French, Greek, Armenian and Indian are displayed in this remarkable city with the diverse architectural style of the buildings. First explore the most striking Kafira Market that attracts people from miles around, including Afar and Somali herders, Oromo farmers and Amhara merchants. Visit the street food section, cattle market and other historic buildings and then drive to Harar. In the afternoon, walking tour to discover the treasures hidden in the narrow alleyways of the walled city of Harar. This city is an Islamic center and it is considered the city of saints and the fourth holiest Islamic city in the world just after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem due to its countless mosques and shrines. The city is surrounded by high ramparts and pierced by 5 gates that still close at nightfall. This afternoon you will visit traditional house of Harari people and their way of life.

Day-04 Harar & Babile

Morning, drive towards Babile to visit the Dakhata Valley (nicknamed the Valley of Marvels). The Valley of Marvels is famous for its balancing rock formations. Tall rocks have been sculpted into strange, often phallic shapes by the elements. In addition, you will visit the local camel market in the small town of Babile if today is Monday or Thursday. Afterward, return to Harar and continue the visit. Today’s visit includes; vibrant local markets, the House of Arthur Rimbaud, Palace of Prince Mekonnen, House of Emperor Haile Selassie, Harari Cultural center, and the tomb of Emir Nur, who built the famous wall around the town. At dusk, you will visit the hyena man, who feeds wild hyenas every night just outside the walls of the city. The locals started feeding the wild hyenas each evening in a bid to stop them from killing their livestock. You could try to experience this feeding activity in person.

Day-05 Harar to Awash

Depart Harar and drive towards Awash National Park. On the way, visit the local ‘Chat’ market in the village of Awedae. The drive will be through the Hararghe Mountains and plenty of coffee and ‘chat’ fields. This part of Ethiopia is well known for growing quality Coffee. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and see the impressive countryside. Located in Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley, Awash National Park is home to beautiful vast landscapes and a wide array of flora and fauna. The park is renowned for its impressive bird population as well as the 150m-deep gorge, carved by the Awash River and its substantial waterfall. Arrive in the afternoon and you will check into a lodge. After a lunch and rest, you will have a short game drive through the Ilala Sala Plain in the southern part of the Park. This offers a chance to see the local wildlife, such as Oryx, Baboons, Kudu, Warthogs, Gazelles, and Colobus Monkeys. Then visit the Awash River Fall – a waterfall described as a scaled-down version of Victoria Falls.

Day-06 Hiking on Mount Fentale

Rise early this morning for hiking up to Mount Fentale. Drive towards the foothills of this volcanic mountain where you can begin the trek to the volcano. Mount Fentale (2,007m) is a large stratovolcano in the Ethiopian Rift Valley that contains a large spectacular summit caldera. The crater on top is approximately 3.5 km in diameter and offers a spectacular view. From this point, it is possible to see steam rising from the many geothermal vents on the sides of the mountain. The climb up leads through Acacia-dominated slopes and offers some stunning views. There might be a chance to see pairs of Egyptian vultures, Lammergeyers, and other raptors flying beneath you. Descend and meet the car and transfer to the lodge. The rest of the day will be free to relax at the lodge.

Day-07 Awash to Addis Ababa & Departure

Early in the morning, take another short game drive around the park to see the park come to life in morning time. Then back to your accommodation and after breakfast, start to drive back to Addis Ababa. Along the route, you will visit Lake Basaka and its aquatic birds. Arrive back in Addis Ababa in the afternoon. After a lunch break, you will have time for shopping. Then you will be transferred to your hotel to prepare your luggage and get ready for your return flight back home. In the evening, before your international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant. Finally, your driver will take you to Bole International Airport and take your flight back home. Your Ethiopian Adventure ends here.