Harar

A Glimpse Of Ethiopia's Cultural Gem In A Day

Introducing Harar

A Glimpse Of Ethiopia's Cultural Gem In A Day

A whirlwind journey through Harar, a captivating city that offers a glimpse into Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage. This curated itinerary is specially designed for business travelers with limited time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and unique traditions of Harar.

From exploring the ancient city walls to witnessing the legendary "hyena man" ritual, this trip promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Ethiopia. Discover the centuries-old mosques, bustling markets, and charming Harari houses as you navigate the narrow cobbled streets of this UNESCO heritage site. Join us for a day filled with cultural exploration and memorable encounters in Harar.

Destination Highlights

Highlighted Destinations

Harar City Walls
Marvel at the historic city walls, punctuated by five gates and 25 towers, offering a glimpse into Harar's architectural heritage.
Hyena Man
Experience the mystique of Harar's famed "hyena man" ritual at dusk. Witness the captivating sight of hyenas gathering to receive scraps of camel meat in a centuries-old tradition and religious observance.
Jugal (Old Harar)
Explore the enchanting streets of Jugal, the old town of Harar. Get lost in its labyrinthine alleys, adorned with colorful shops and traditional Harari houses.
Harari Houses
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional Harari houses. Admire the intricate woodwork and architectural details that reflect the unique craftsmanship of this region.
Daily Local Market
Engage with the vibrant local community as you wander through the bustling market, where vendors display a colorful array of goods, including spices, textiles, and traditional handicrafts.
Arthur Rimbaud Cultural Center
Step into the Arthur Rimbaud Cultural Center, housed in a beautiful century-old mansion. Explore the small museum, library, and research center dedicated to the French poet's time in Ethiopia.
Sherif Harar Museum
Visit the Sherif Harar Museum, a local municipal museum that provides insights into the history, culture, and traditions of Harar.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 : Fly to Dire Dawa & drive to Harar
Day 2 : Explore Harar town, then drive to Dire Dawa & & Fly back to Addis

Detail tour Itinerary

DAY 1: FLY TO DIRE DAWA & DRIVE TO HARAR

Today you fly to Dire Dawa, the commercial centre of the region and the main rail head for the Djibouti to Addis railway. From here you ascend by road from the plains to the walled city of Harar another UNESCO heritage site. The city walls are pierced by 5 gates topped by 25 towers.
The 16th century mosque with its slender minaret and the narrow streets lined with small shops all give the impression of having wandered into a city from the Arabian nights. This evening at dusk, you pay a visit to the now-legendary “hyena man” at sundown.
Illuminated by vehicle headlights, he calls to hyenas to take scraps of camel meat in a ritual derived from local tradition and religious observance. Overnight in Harar.

DAY 2: EXPLORE HARAR & FLY TO ADDIS

Today we explore Jugal (old Harar) on foot, you first head to the daily colorful local market. Then you visit the Arthur Rimbaud Cultural Center. It is located in a beautiful century-old mansion and houses a small museum, library, and research center devoted to Rimbaud’s time in Ethiopia.
You also visit Sherif Harar Museum, the local municipal museum. Strolling along the winding, cobbled streets, you explore the gates, restored city walls, and interesting Harari houses of this once-secluded town. After lunch, you drive to Dire Dawa, where you catch your flight to Addis.
On arrival in Addis, you transfer to a hotel where you can freshen up. Depending on your flight schedule, a transfer is arranged to Addis Ababa Bole international airport for the flight back home. Thanks for vacationing with Sawla Tours.

How Can We Help You Create an Extraordinary Ethiopian Adventure?

At Sawla Tours, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into reality. With years of hands-on experience in crafting unforgettable journeys to Ethiopia, we are your go-to experts in deciding when to travel, where to explore, and what to discover.

Whether you have a detailed itinerary in mind, seek professional advice, or simply don't know where to begin, we're eager to assist. Reach out to us today, and together, we'll create an extraordinary travel experience tailored just for you.