Things to do in Dire Dawa Province

Discover the ancient cities of Harar and Lalibela on a 4-day tour from Addis Ababa. Explore the walled city of Harar, visit the Rimbaud House, and witness the famous Hyena Feeding Ceremony. Then, fly to Lalibela to see the rock-hewn churches. Day 1: Fly to Dire Dawa and Drive to Harar - Take an early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa. Upon arrival, meet your guide/driver and transfer to Harar. Enjoy scenic views en route. - Settle into your accommodation in Harar. - Take a leisurely stroll to get a first impression of the old city, known as Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Relax and dine at a local restaurant to try Harari traditional dishes like Fatira or Kitfo Harari. Day 2: Explore the Old City, Harar Jugol, and Local Markets - Start your day exploring Harar Jugol, the walled city of Harar, with its 82 gates and numerous alleys. - Visit historic mosques, including the Grand Mosque of Harar (Jami Mosque). - Immerse yourself in the vibrant local markets, including the Harar Camel Market and Suk el Gher (traditional Harari markets). - Learn about Harari weaving and other crafts while interacting with artisans. - Attend a cultural experience and enjoy Harari coffee ceremonies, which showcase the significance of coffee to the region. Day 3: Visit Rimbaud House and Hyena Feeding Ceremony - Tour the Rimbaud House, an architectural gem named after the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who once lived in Harar. - Learn about the city's fascinating history as a crossroads of cultures. - Venture beyond the city to explore natural sights nearby (optional, depending on time) or relax at your accommodation. - Witness the famous Hyena Feeding Ceremony, a centuries-old tradition where local Harari men feed wild hyenas by hand—a mesmerizing and unique experience. Day 4: Return to Addis Ababa - Drive back to Dire Dawa. - Take a flight to Addis Ababa, arriving by afternoon. - End your trip with dinner at one of Addis Ababa's traditional cultural restaurants like Yod Abyssinia or 2000 Habesha.

Fly from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and drive to Harar. Visit the walls and gates of Harar, the local market, and the house of Arthur Rimbaud. Watch the Hyena Man feed wild hyenas. On the second day, drive to Dire Dawa and fly back to Addis Ababa. On the first day, take a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa. Drive for about an hour to Harar, enjoying the great scenery of the surrounding mountains. Before lunch, visit the walls and gates of Harar which mark and identify the city’s peculiarity. After having lunch at a local house of the Adere or the Harari people, visit the local market of Harar which is attended by the tribal people of Amhara, Oromo, and Hararis (Adere). Attend the ceremony of Chewing Chat (mild stimulant, and Adere (Harari). Then, visit the House of Arthur Rimbaud, a famous French poet who lived in Harar in the late 19th century. Explore "Jugal," Harar’s old walled town by walking with a local tour guide. If interested, check out one of Ethiopia's breweries, Harar Brewery. In the evening, drive to one of the gates of Harar where you can visit the ‘Hyena Man’ as he feeds wild hyenas by hand and mouth. Accommodation at Harar is organized at Ras Hotel or at Harari Cultural Guest House - Rewda Guesthouse. On the second day, drive to Dire Dawa and visit a coffee processing small-scale industry. The coffee from around Harar is one of the best types from Ethiopia. Then, attend a typical traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Explore some of the oldest mosques and shrines of Harar. Finally, drive back to Dire Dawa and visit the colorful spice market and the old train station which was founded by the French in the 1900s. Take a domestic flight from Dire Dawa back to Addis Ababa.