Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Addis Ababa hotel for a seamless transfer to Bole International Airport. Board a one-hour flight to Dire Dawa, Ethiopia’s bustling second-largest city. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will greet you for the scenic 55 km drive to Harar. Traverse rolling hills and lush farmland, soaking in views of rural life during the approximately 1.5-hour journey.
Check in at the Harar Wonderland Hotel, a charming retreat blending modern comforts with traditional Harari architecture. Meet your knowledgeable local guide, who will lead you through Harar’s iconic Jugol Wall gates into the ancient fortified city. Spend the afternoon wandering its narrow, maze-like streets adorned with colorful doors and vibrant markets. Visit the Sherif Harar City Museum to delve into the region’s history, and pause at the Rimbaud House, a tribute to the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, whose former residence now showcases evocative photography exhibits.
Overnight: Harar Wonderland Hotel
After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Harar’s spiritual and cultural soul. Discover its 82 mosques and 102 shrines, including the striking Grand Jami Mosque and the revered Shrine of Sheikh Abadir, a 12th-century Islamic scholar. Stroll through the Harari Cultural Museum, housed in a traditional home, to admire intricate handicrafts, ceremonial attire, and ancient manuscripts.
Dive into the sensory overload of Harar’s markets: the Feres Megala market buzzes with aromatic spices, handwoven baskets, and the famed Harari coffee, while the Mekina Girgir market hums with tailors sewing vibrant textiles. Savor a traditional Harari lunch of ful (spiced fava beans) or doro wat (chicken stew) paired with injera*.
As dusk falls, brace yourself for a thrilling encounter with the Hyena Men of Harar. For generations, these daring locals have fed wild hyenas by hand—a ritual believed to protect the community. Feel your adrenaline surge as you witness (or even participate in!) this extraordinary interaction under the starry sky.
Overnight: Harar Wonderland Hotel
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your private transfer returns you to Dire Dawa Airport. Reflect on your journey during the flight back to Addis Ababa, arriving by mid-afternoon. A final transfer escorts you to your hotel, where the tour concludes.
Depart with memories of Harar’s timeless charm its whispering alleyways, sacred sites, and the haunting calls of hyenas echoing through the night.
End of Tour
