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Eastern Ethiopia

Harar

A walled trading city with a distinct culture, narrow lanes and lively markets.

  • 2 tours
  • From USD 545

See Harar for yourself

Overview

About Harar

Harar Jugol is a walled city in eastern Ethiopia with a strong Islamic heritage, many mosques and shrines, and its own language, food and architecture. Its narrow lanes and coloured houses are best explored on foot.

At dusk, hyenas are fed by hand outside the walls, a local tradition that draws visitors. Harar is also known for its coffee and its markets.

Region
Eastern
Best time
October to March
Tours here
2
Tours from
USD 545

Highlights

What makes it worth the journey

Highlights

  • Walking the old town and its gates
  • Markets full of spices and textiles
  • The hyena feeding at dusk
  • Harari coffee

Things to do

  • Explore the old town with a local guide
  • Visit the markets
  • Watch the hyena feeding
  • Try local snacks and coffee

Plan your visit

Before you go

Best time to visit

October to March; the cooler dry season is the most comfortable

Getting there

Fly to Dire Dawa and drive about an hour to Harar, or drive from Addis Ababa (a full day).

Getting around

The old town is compact and walkable; three-wheelers cover the rest.

Good to know

  • Dress modestly; it is a conservative city.
  • Ask before taking photographs of people.

Journeys

Tours that reach Harar

Length 02 days

Popular Cultural

Harar

Harar Overnight

A walled Muslim city of painted houses and narrow lanes, explored with a Harari guide, and wild hyenas fed by hand at dusk.

Length 07 days

Cultural

Harar

Addis, Harar and the Omo Valley

One week, two very different Ethiopias: Harar’s walled lanes and its dusk hyena feeding, then Ari and Mursi communities around Jinka.

See all tours

Keep exploring

More places to see

Danakil Depression

Salt flats, sulphur springs and lava lakes in one of the hottest places on Earth.

Awash National Park

Beisa oryx on acacia plains, a waterfall into a gorge and hot springs among doum palms.

Addis Ababa

Ethiopia’s capital: museums, markets and the birthplace of many a coffee ceremony.

Plan with us

Let us plan your Harar trip

Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.

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