Awash National Park, areas brimming with wildlife and refreshing lakes. Your final stop then takes you to the medieval walled city of Harar, a staunchly Muslim city which was once barred to all Christians, where hyenas are still fed by hand in the streets and mosques assail you at every turn.
The difference you make on this trip: Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Arrival: Bole International Airport
Remarkable Ethiopia Tours will meet all clients arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time
Drive to Awash National Park. Many species of birds are found here: You'll spend today exploring the park in the company of your driver-guide. Awash National Park encompasses a fascinating array of volcanic landscapes that has become a haven for a range of birdlife. See if you can spot colobus monkeys, golden jackals and spotted hyenas today. Lions and leopards are around but are rare sightings these days. There is also the option of visiting Awash River Falls on your safari.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Early morning game viewing. Afterwards, drive to Dire Dawa via the Harege Plateau a region of coffee and chat plantations. In the afternoon you’ll have some time this morning to discover what Dire Dawa has to offer, including a walk around the interesting local market and also a visit to the old train station.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
A short drive to Harar. Harar is recognized as the fourth most holy Muslim city in the world, hosting pilgrims after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. The 16th century wall was built by Adere people to protect themselves from invaders. Visit the home of Arthur Rimbuad, renowned French poet who worked and lived in Harar as a "gun-runner" during the 19th century. Visit the National and Harari museums; the house of Ras Mekonnen (father of Haile Selassie); and a traditional Harari home. This evening you can enjoy the ancient tradition of feeding the hyenas, a spectacle which still regularly draws the crowds.
Situated on a high escarpment with views over deep gorges, desert and savannah, the historic city of Harar has recently been listed in UNESCO World heritage lists. There are 82 mosques and 102 shrines to explore which all contribute to giving the city the title of fourth holiest city of Islam. Harar’s old walled town, or Jugal as it is known locally, dates back to the 1560s when the original wall was built and is one of the town’s most fascinating features. Spend the day exploring homes in the cliff-side village of Koremi.
Morning visit to the colorful Islamic Market. Drive from Harar to Dire Dawa. Fly to Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum, home of the 3 million year old skeleton “Lucy.”
*Optional shopping in the evening you will attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Then according to your departure schedule, you will be transferred to the airport.
(B, L, D)
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