Itinerary
Take a short internal flight from Addis Ababa to the western town of Dire Dawa. From the airport, private transfer for around 1 hour to the ancient city of Harar. On route, stop off at the town of Aweday to see Ethiopia’s largest “chat” market.
Once we arrive in Harar, you will get a chance to stroll through the 16th century walled part of the old town. Harar is the fourth most important city in the Islamic World. During our stroll, we will visit the home of Arthur Rimbuad, renowned French poet who worked and lived in Harar as a “gun-runner” during the 19th century. That evening, stay in Anisa Guesthouse, the home of local Harari women.
After breakfast, take a trip to see the colorful Islamic market and their selection of local spices and clothes. After visiting the market, tour the National and Harari museums before visiting the house of Ras Mekonnen (father of Haile Selassie.) After lunch, drive 25km south of Harar to see the Babile elephant sanctuary (also known as the Harar wildlife sanctuary. In the evening see the “Hyena Men” of Harar feeding the hyenas that gather nightly outside the town.
Harar Wildlife Sanctuary , The Harar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as the Babille Elephant Sanctuary) is a protected area in located 25km south of Harar. The Sanctuary was created to for the conservation of the native elephant sub-species, and is also home to around 400 elephants.
The Hyena Men of Harar , Just outside, the city of Harar, there are a group of men who have a unique relationship with the local hyena population. The ‘hyena men’ feed the hyenas by mouth, using pieces of raw meat provided by spectators. According to local folklore, the feeding of hyenas in Harar originated during a 19th-century famine, during which the starving hyenas began to attack livestock and humans.Overnight at: Anisa Guesthouse
After breakfast, drive from Harar to Dire Dawa to get your flight back to Addis Ababa. Once we arrive back in Addis Ababa, the program will finish.