Harar Tours (Old City)

Day 01: Addis Ababa – Dire Dawa – Harar

Fly early in the morning from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa with Ethiopian Airlines. Upon arrival, continue by car to Harar, with an optional stop at Aweday — home to Ethiopia’s largest and most vibrant chat market, a bustling hub of trade and local interaction. Once in Harar, explore the legendary 16th-century walled city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique urban fabric and cultural significance. Wander through narrow alleyways lined with colorful homes and visit the house of Arthur Rimbaud, the French poet who lived here in the late 19th century. Harar is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam and boasts over 80 mosques and 100 shrines. The day offers a rich blend of history, architecture, and spiritual heritage. Overnight in Harar.

The ancient walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant alleyways and spiritual legacy.

The ancient walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant alleyways and spiritual legacy.

Day 02: Harar City Tour

Begin your day with a visit to Harar’s vibrant Islamic market, where spices, textiles, and traditional goods fill the air with color and aroma. Continue to the house of Ras Mekonnen, father of Emperor Haile Selassie, which offers insight into Ethiopia’s imperial legacy and Harar’s political significance. In the afternoon, stroll through the city’s maze-like alleys, encountering Harari homes adorned with intricate interior designs and cultural artifacts. As dusk falls, witness the captivating ritual of the “Hyena Man”, a local tradition where wild hyenas are fed by hand just outside the city walls — a practice that has become a symbol of Harar’s mystical charm. Overnight in Harar.

Day 03: Harar – Dire Dawa – Addis Ababa

Depart Harar in the morning and drive back to Dire Dawa, with an optional city tour that may include the old railway station and vibrant local markets reflecting the city’s colonial and trade history. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time for souvenir shopping at Shiro Meda or other artisan markets known for traditional crafts and woven textiles. In the evening, Enat Ethiopia Tours invites you to a farewell dinner at a renowned cultural restaurant, where you’ll be treated to live performances by dancers and musicians representing Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups. End of Tour.

Harar’s UNESCO Legacy

Harar Jugol, the fortified historic town, is one of Ethiopia’s most treasured cultural sites. With over 82 mosques and 102 shrines packed into a small area, it’s a living museum of Islamic heritage. Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights its architectural uniqueness and spiritual significance, making it a must-visit destination for cultural travelers.

Arthur Rimbaud’s Harar Connection

The French poet Arthur Rimbaud lived in Harar during the late 1800s, engaging in trade and documenting his experiences. His former residence, now a museum, offers a glimpse into the city’s cosmopolitan past and its role as a crossroads of African, Arab, and European cultures. Learn more about Rimbaud’s life here.

The Hyena Feeding Ritual

One of Harar’s most surreal traditions is the nightly feeding of wild hyenas by locals — especially the famed “Hyena Man.” This ritual has become a symbol of trust and coexistence between humans and wildlife, and it draws visitors from around the world. Read about it in this BBC Travel feature.

Ras Mekonnen’s Historical Home

Ras Mekonnen’s house is a key stop for understanding Ethiopia’s imperial lineage. As the father of Emperor Haile Selassie, his legacy is deeply tied to Harar’s political and cultural history. The home offers insight into Ethiopia’s transition from regional kingdoms to a unified empire. Discover more about Selassie’s impact here.