4-Day Harar Itinerary (Historic Walled City & Cultural Experience)

Day 1: Addis Ababa → Dire Dawa → Harar

  • Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa
  • Scenic drive to Harar (55 km, ~1 hour)
  • Check-in at hotel inside or near the old walled city
  • Afternoon: Relax and light walk around Harar Jugol (UNESCO World Heritage)
  • Evening: Visit Harar Market (Jegol bazaar) for spices, coffee & handicrafts

Overnight in Harar

Day 2: Historic Harar City Tour

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Guided walking tour of Harar Jugol (the walled city)
    • Visit the Harari traditional houses
    • Explore ancient mosques & shrines (44 within the walls)
    • Rimbaud House (museum dedicated to French poet Arthur Rimbaud)
  • Afternoon: Harar museums & colorful markets
  • Evening: Hyena Feeding Experience – watch locals feed hyenas just outside the city walls

Overnight in Harar

Day 3: Excursion Around Harar

  • Morning drive to Babile Elephant Sanctuary (if open/accessible) or visit Babile Camel Market
  • Stop at the Valley of Marvels (striking rock formations)
  • Afternoon return to Harar – enjoy coffee ceremony (Harar is the birthplace of Ethiopian coffee culture)
  • Sunset walk on the city walls with panoramic view

Overnight in Harar

Day 4: Harar → Dire Dawa → Addis Ababa

  • Early morning stroll in Harar for last photos & shopping
  • Drive back to Dire Dawa
  • Short city tour of Dire Dawa (old railway station, Kezira quarter)
  • Flight back to Addis Ababa