5 Days Harar and Awash National Park

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Awash National Park

Depart from Addis Ababa and travel southeast toward Awash National Park via the scenic Bishoftu crater lakes near Debre Zeit. In the evening, enjoy a game drive through the savannahs and lava-strewn plains, spotting wildlife and visiting an area frequented by hyenas after sunset.

Water Fall Awash National Park—a land of wildlife, hot springs, and volcanic beauty.

Overnight: Lodge, Awash National Park

Day 2: Awash National Park – Dire Dawa

Begin with an early morning game drive for another chance to spot Beisa oryx, warthogs, and birdlife. Then drive east through the fertile Harege Plateau, passing coffee and khat plantations. Arrive in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia’s second-largest city, to visit its colorful market and railway quarter.

Overnight: Hotel, Dire Dawa

Day 3: Dire Dawa – Harar

Take a short drive to Harar, the 16th-century walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk its tight alleyways, explore the home of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, Ras Mekonnen’s house, the Harari Museum, and a traditional Harari home. In the evening, witness the legendary Hyena Man feeding wild hyenas just outside the city gate—an unforgettable tradition.

In Harar, man and hyena meet in a centuries-old act of coexistence and performance.

Overnight: Hotel, Harar

Day 4: Harar

Continue exploring Harar’s heritage. Enjoy a side trip to the cliffside village of Koremi, where traditional homes and terraced fields cling to rugged slopes. Return to Harar and soak up the spiritual and architectural richness of this Islamic center.

Overnight: Hotel, Harar

Day 5: Harar – Addis Ababa

Drive to Dire Dawa, stopping at Aweday—the region’s largest khat market where trade is vibrant and colorful. Fly back to Addis Ababa. If time allows, enjoy final souvenir shopping. Cap your adventure with a traditional dinner accompanied by live music and dance before transferring to the airport for late-night departure.

End of Tour

Awash National Park: Ethiopia’s Oldest Wildlife Reserve

Awash National Park is a stunning blend of acacia woodlands, lava fields, and savannahs. Located along the Awash River, it hosts over 400 bird species and iconic wildlife like the Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and warthogs. The park’s dramatic terrain includes hot springs and volcanic formations shaped by the Great Rift Valley. Learn more about Awash National Park. For more wildlife tours, visit our Wildlife Tours in Ethiopia page.

Dire Dawa: A Crossroads of Trade and Culture

Founded in 1902 as a railway hub, Dire Dawa blends colonial architecture with vibrant markets and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Its railway quarter and spice-filled bazaars reflect the city’s role as a gateway between Ethiopia’s highlands and the Horn of Africa. The city’s proximity to Harar makes it a strategic stop for cultural travelers. Explore Dire Dawa’s history. You can also check our Eastern Ethiopia Itineraries for more routes.

Harar: The Walled City of Saints

Harar Jugol is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Islam’s holiest cities in Africa. With over 80 mosques and 100 shrines packed into its maze-like alleys, Harar is a living museum of spiritual devotion, traditional Harari homes, and centuries-old trade routes. It’s also the only city in the world where humans and hyenas share a nightly ritual. Discover Harar on UNESCO. For curated Harar experiences, visit our Harar Cultural Tours.

Aweday & the Khat Economy

Aweday is Ethiopia’s largest khat market, where bundles of the stimulant leaf are traded in a lively, fast-paced exchange. Khat plays a significant role in the region’s economy and social life, especially among communities in eastern Ethiopia and the Horn. Visiting Aweday offers insight into local customs, agricultural livelihoods, and the cultural significance of khat. Read more about khat’s cultural role. For market-focused tours, explore our Ethiopian Markets Tour.