You will explore eastern Ethiopia on a 5-day journey from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park and the ancient walled city of Harar. You'll enjoy wildlife game drives, scenic Rift Valley landscapes, and Awash Falls. You'll discover Harar’s UNESCO-listed Jugol, vibrant markets, historic sites, and the unique hyena feeding ceremony, with cultural village visits and unforgettable local experiences.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa |
| DEPARTURE TIME | Can start any day If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| INCLUDED | "" |
| NOT INCLUDED | Excluded |
You will explore eastern Ethiopia on a 5-day journey from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park and the ancient walled city of Harar. You'll enjoy wildlife game drives, scenic Rift Valley landscapes, and Awash Falls. You'll discover Harar’s UNESCO-listed Jugol, vibrant markets, historic sites, and the unique hyena feeding ceremony, with cultural village visits and unforgettable local experiences.
Early in the morning, you depart from Addis Ababa and drive east toward Awash National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you will enjoy views of rural villages, farmlands, and changing terrain that showcase Ethiopia’s eastern countryside. You arrive at Awash National Park in time for lunch and a short rest at the lodge. In the afternoon, you will begin your first game drive inside the park, where you may encounter Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelles, baboons, kudu, warthogs, and a wide variety of bird species. You'll visit the impressive Awash Falls, one of the park’s highlights, and enjoy the dramatic scenery. You'll end the day with a beautiful sunset over the savannah before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast at Awash National Park, you continue your journey eastward toward the historic city of Harar. The drive offers changing landscapes, from semi-arid plains to green highlands, with opportunities to observe local villages and traditional rural life along the way. Upon arrival in Harar, you check in at your hotel and take time to relax before beginning your first exploration of the ancient walled city, known as Jugol and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, you experience the famous Hyena Feeding Ceremony, a unique cultural tradition where local hyena men interact closely with wild hyenas just outside the city walls. This unforgettable experience highlights Harar’s deep cultural heritage and spiritual connection with nature. You return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Harar.
After breakfast, you will spend a full day exploring the historic and culturally rich city of Harar, one of Ethiopia’s most important Islamic heritage centers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You begin with a guided walk through the ancient walled city (Jugol), discovering its narrow alleyways, traditional Harari houses, and centuries-old architecture. You will visit key cultural landmarks including local mosques, shrines, museums, and the house of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who once lived in Harar. You will continue to vibrant local markets where traders sell spices, grains, textiles, and traditional goods, offering a true glimpse into daily life. In the afternoon, you enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city and learn about Harar’s famous coffee culture and traditional cuisine. This immersive day provides deep insight into the history, religion, and living traditions of the “City of Saints.” You wil return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Harar.
After breakfast, you will leave Harar for a cultural excursion into the surrounding countryside, where you will visit traditional villages and experience the rural way of life in eastern Ethiopia. You'll meet local communities, observe daily activities such as farming and handicrafts, and learn about long-standing traditions that have been preserved for generations. You will enjoy scenic drives through the beautiful landscapes surrounding Harar, with opportunities for photography of rolling hills, farmland, and vibrant village life. You'll visit local markets where residents trade goods and experience authentic cultural interactions. In the afternoon, return to Harar and enjoy leisure time to relax or take an optional walk through the old city streets of Jugol. This day offers a deeper connection to both the natural environment and living culture of the Harar region. Your overnight stay will be at your hotel in Harar.
After breakfast in Harar, yoou will begin your return journey to Addis Ababa. You will enjoy a scenic drive through the eastern Ethiopian landscapes, passing rural villages, farmlands, and mountain views along the way. You will stop for short breaks, photography opportunities, and traditional coffee experiences en route. You will arrive in Addis Ababa in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your 5-day Harar and Awash National Park adventure.
