Eastern Ethiopia: Awash, Harar & Dire Dawa – 6 Days
Tour Highlights
- Explore Addis Ababa’s iconic landmarks, museums, and panoramic mountain views
- Experience a wildlife safari in Awash National Park
- Trek to the summit of Mount Fentale, a dormant volcano
- Relax at the natural Palm Hot Springs and picnic beside it
- Visit a traditional Afar market in Sabure (on market day)
- Spot wild hyenas and flamingos near Lake Beseka
- Discover the ancient walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Witness the Hyena Man feed hyenas face-to-face
- Enjoy a farewell cultural dinner with live music and dance in Addis Ababa
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
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Arrive at Bole International Airport, meet your tour guide at the exit with a welcome sign
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Transfer to your hotel
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Depending on arrival time, enjoy a guided city tour:
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Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to “Lucy”
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Explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral
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Stroll through Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market
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Drive to Entoto Mountain (3,000m) for panoramic city views
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Overnight stay at a hotel in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Drive to Awash National Park & Game Drive
- After breakfast, depart for Awash National Park (~4–5 hours’ drive)
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Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive to see:
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Beisa oryx, gazelles, warthogs, greater kudu, baboons, and velvet monkeys
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Over 400 species of birds
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- Optional walk near Awash Falls
Overnight at lodge/hotel/campsite in or near Awash.
Day 3: Mount Fentale Trek, Palm Springs & Afar Market (Saturday only)
- Morning drive to the base of Mount Fentale
- Trek ~5 hours to the volcanic crater for sweeping views over the Rift Valley
- Continue to the Palm Hot Springs (natural spa oasis) for a picnic lunch and relaxation
- If it’s Saturday: Visit the Sabure Afar Market, a traditional open-air cattle and goods market
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Late afternoon drive to Lake Beseka, known for:
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Aquatic birdlife including flamingos
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Watching hyenas emerge from their cave at dusk
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- Return to Awash
Overnight at lodge/hotel in Awash.
Day 4: Drive to Harar
- After breakfast, begin your drive to the historic city of Harar (~6–7 hours)
- Enjoy scenic views through the East African Rift Valley, passing rural villages and rugged landscapes
- Harar is famed for its coffee, Islamic heritage, and centuries-old history
Overnight at hotel in Harar.
Day 5: Full-Day Exploration of Harar
Visit:
- The Jugol Wall (UNESCO-listed walled city)
- 16th-century mosques, shrines, and colorful markets
- The Rimbaud House (French poet’s former residence)
- Traditional Adere homes with unique Harari interior design
- Evening: Witness the Hyena Feeding Ritual, where the “Hyena Man” hand-feeds wild hyenas
Overnight at hotel in Harar.
Day 6: Drive to Dire Dawa & Fly to Addis Ababa
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After breakfast, drive to Dire Dawa (approx. 1.5 hours)
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Fly back to Addis Ababa
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Enjoy a farewell dinner with Ethiopian music and dance at a traditional restaurant
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Transfer to the airport for your international departure
Includes
Fees
Excludes
Flights
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