Eastern Ethiopia

The main attractions here are the medieval walled Islamic city of Harar which is famous besides the historical side.

Eastern Ethiopia

Heading east from Addis Ababa you’ll find the early 16th century built and oldest Islamic city in Africa as well UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, Harar. The other attraction here is the Awash National Park – one of Ethiopia’s top birding destinations with over 450 species, to say nothing of the plain games as well as the scenic waterfalls, hot springs, dormant volcano crater, etc  

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Harar & Dire Dawa

Day 1

AM 1hr flight to Dire Dawa and drive to Harrar (50km/1hr). PM visit Harar’s cultural and historical sites including the medieval walls and century old buildings. It’s also exciting to wander through the old town, Jugol web of narrow alleyways and soak up the unique handcrafts, basketry plus markets. Evening witness wild hyenas feeding ritual on the outskirts of the city Overnight: Hotel in Harar

Day 2

AM drive to Dire Dawa and visit Kefira open market. PM return flight to Addis Ababa

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Awash National Park

Day 1

AM leave to Awash National Park (210km/3.5hr). Rest of the day drive through the park to watch plain games, birds, crocodiles on Awash River and visit Awash Falls Overnight: Lodge inside the park / Hotel in Awash town

Day 2

AM excursion to northern part of the park, Fil Wuha (Hot Springs) which offers scenic beauty due to the special vegetation structure dominated by the Doum palms. PM drive back to Addis Ababa with brief stop at Debre Zeit crater lakes

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Awash National Park, Harar & Dire Dawa

Day 1

AM drive to Awash NP and sightseeing Overnight: Lodge inside the park / Hotel in Awash town

Day 2

AM trip to Fil Wuha (Hot Springs) and then drive via Awash Valley to Harar (315km/5hr) Overnight: Hotel in Harar, for 2 nights

Day 3

AM Harar sightseeing. PM trip to Babile (70km/RT) and visit the Valley of Marvels which is renowned for its gravity-defying balancing rock formations. Evening witness wild hyenas feeding ritual

Day 4

AM drive to Dire Dawa and visit Kefira open market. PM return flight to Addis Ababa