5-Day Awash National Park & Harar Tour

>> Begin your journey early from Addis Ababa, driving southeast through the Rift Valley toward Bishoftu (Debre Zeit), a picturesque town known for its stunning volcanic crater lakes. Enjoy a short stop by the serene waters of Lake Bishoftu or Lake Babogaya, perhaps with a lakeside coffee or breakfast.

Continue your drive eastward toward Awash National Park, passing through arid landscapes, acacia woodlands, and rural villages along the way. After a 4 to 5-hour drive, arrive at your lodge near the Awash River, such as Awash Falls Lodge, where you can check in and rest briefly.

In the late afternoon, set out through the park. As the light softens, you may spot wildlife such as oryx, gazelles, warthogs, and kudus, along with a wide variety of birds. As night approaches, head to an area where hyenas are often seen, and with a bit of luck, observe them emerging for their nocturnal activities.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Meals at own expense Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Doho Lodge & Hot Springs Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

>> Start your day with an early morning game drive in Awash National Park, when wildlife is most active. As the sun rises over the savannah, you may encounter animals such as gazelles, warthogs, kudus, and a variety of birds moving through the cool morning air. The soft light of dawn offers excellent opportunities for photography and peaceful wildlife observation.

After breakfast at the lodge, depart for Dire Dawa, traveling east across the scenic Harerge Plateau. This region is known for its lush coffee farms and chat (khat) plantations, with green hills and terraced fields stretching across the landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass through small highland villages and rural communities, offering a glimpse into daily life in this agriculturally rich part of Ethiopia.

Arrive in Dire Dawa by mid to late afternoon and take time to explore the city’s vibrant local market, one of the largest and most colorful in eastern Ethiopia.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Samrat Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Dire Dawa (Town)

>> After a 45-minute drive from Dire Dawa, arrive in Harar, one of Islam’s holiest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your exploration of the 16th-century walled city, wandering through its narrow alleys filled with vibrant markets and centuries-old mosques.

Visit the house of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who lived in Harar in the 19th century, and explore the National and Harari Cultural Museums. Stop by the house of Ras Mekonnen, father of Emperor Haile Selassie, and step inside a traditional Harari home, known for its colorful interiors and cultural artifacts.

In the evening, witness the famous Hyena Man feed wild hyenas just outside the city walls—an unforgettable and uniquely Harari tradition.

Overnight at your hotel in Harar.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Harar Ras Hotel Budget hotel located in Harar (Town)

>> Begin your day with a continued exploration of Harar, diving deeper into its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and spiritual heritage. Wander through its maze-like alleys, visit lesser-known shrines, and take time to interact with locals to gain a richer understanding of Harari life.

Later in the day, take an excursion to Koremi, a cliff-side village nestled in the surrounding highlands. This ancient settlement is known for its stone-built homes, traditional way of life, and dramatic views over the valleys below. Visiting Koremi offers a glimpse into pre-Islamic Harari culture, preserved in both architecture and community practices.

Return to Harar in the evening and spend the night at your hotel.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Harar Ras Hotel Budget hotel located in Harar (Town)

>> Drive to Dire Dawa stopping at Ethiopia's largest "chat" market in Aweday. Fly to Addis Ababa. Optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)