5-Day Historic Harar & Awash National Park Adventure
Overview
Tour Overview
Ethiopia Safari: This 5-day journey combines culture, history, and wildlife in eastern Ethiopia. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Harar, famous for its
Day by Day
Itinerary
Addis Ababa Flight to Dire Dawa & Transfer to Harar
Day 1Addis Ababa Flight to Dire Dawa & Transfer to Harar Addis Ababa Flight to Dire Dawa & Transfer to Harar Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa. Upon arrival, meet your guide and drive about 1 hour (55km) to Harar, the UNESCO-listed walled city. After hotel check-in and a short rest, begin a guided walk through Harar Jugol’s narrow alleys and bustling markets, stopping at traditional Harari houses to understand their design and daily life. Visit small museums or viewpoints as time allows. In the evening, experience the famous hyena feeding outside the city walls—an age-old tradition that offers a rare, close but safe look at these iconic animals. Dinner and overnight in Harar. Main Destination: Harar (Town) Accommodation: Harar Ras Hotel Budget hotel located in Harar (Town) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Exploration of Harar
Day 2Exploration of Harar Exploration of Harar Spend the day exploring Harar, one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in Ethiopia. Walk through the UNESCO-listed walled city, visiting key landmarks such as Ras Tafari’s former house, Arthur Rimbaud’s residence, old mosques, and small museums. Learn about Harar’s centuries-old Islamic heritage and its role as a major trading hub. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony, as Harar is world-famous for producing high-quality beans. The day offers a unique blend of history, culture, and daily life in this remarkable city. Dinner and overnight in Harar. Main Destination: Harar (Town) Accommodation: Harar Ras Hotel Budget hotel located in Harar (Town) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Harar Drive to Awash National Park
Day 3Harar Drive to Awash National Park Harar Drive to Awash National Park Depart Harar in the morning for a scenic drive through the Rift Valley toward Awash National Park (about 6–7 hours with stops). The journey passes rural villages, rolling landscapes, and occasional wildlife along the roadside. Arrive at Awash in the afternoon and settle into your lodge near the Awash River. Later, enjoy an evening game drive in the park, where you may spot oryx, warthogs, gazelles, baboons, and a variety of bird species. Relax with dinner and overnight at the lodge, set close to the dramatic Awash Falls. Main Destination: Awash National Park Best Time To Visit October to February (Little rain and less hot) High Season September to April (The park is never busy) Best Weather October to February Wildlife in Awash NP Olive Baboon Abundant Beisa Oryx Common Soemmerring'sGazelle Common HamadryasBaboon Common Salt's Dik-dik Common Show more Lesser Kudu Occasional Desert Warthog Occasional Defassa Waterbuck Occasional Nile Crocodile Occasional Spotted Hyena Occasional Guereza Monkey Rare Ethiopian Wolf None Gelada Monkey None Walia Ibex None Accommodation: Doho Lodge & Hot Springs Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP +10 Photos +9 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Safari in Awash National Park
Day 4Safari in Awash National Park Safari in Awash National Park Begin the day with an early morning game drive to spot wildlife such as greater kudu, waterbuck, oryx, baboons, and many bird species. After breakfast, visit the Awash River Gorge and the impressive waterfalls. In the afternoon, continue exploring the park with another game drive or take an optional excursion to the Filwoha Hot Springs, known for their warm mineral waters and surrounding palm groves. The park offers diverse landscapes, from savannah grasslands to volcanic formations. Dinner and overnight at your lodge inside the park. Main Destination: Awash National Park Accommodation: Doho Lodge & Hot Springs Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Awash to Addis Ababa & Departure
Day 5Awash to Addis Ababa & Departure Awash to Addis Ababa & Departure Enjoy a relaxing morning at the lodge with views of the Awash River. After breakfast, depart for Addis Ababa on a 4-hour drive through Rift Valley landscapes. On arrival, there may be time for last-minute shopping at local markets such as Shiro Meda or Merkato, depending on your flight schedule. In the evening, transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your cultural and wildlife adventure in eastern Ethiopia. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By Best price guarantee Your request will be sent directly to the operator If preferred, you can contact the operator directly Next: Request a Quote Request a Quote Disclaimer This tour is offered by Zagol Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings. This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
What's covered
Included & Excluded
Included
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
- What is included in this tour
Not Included
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
What travellers say
Verified Reviews
All the churches are located within close proximity, typically just a block or less apart, which made moving between them easy. Our guide provided ample resting time between visits, which suited me perfectly as I tend to tire easily. ...
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