6 Days Eastern Ethiopia, Awash National Park & Harar Tour

Tour Overview

Experience the natural and cultural diversity of eastern Ethiopia on this 6-day journey combining Awash National Park, Dire Dawa and the historic city of Harar.

Beginning from Addis Ababa, explore Rift Valley landscapes and wildlife in Awash National Park before continuing east towards Harar. Walk through the UNESCO-listed old city, experience Harari culture, visit colourful markets and discover one of Ethiopia’s most distinctive historic destinations.

This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want more than a Harar city break and prefer to combine eastern Ethiopia’s history and culture with wildlife and changing landscapes.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Awash National Park
  • Visit Awash Falls and dramatic Rift Valley scenery
  • Look for oryx, gazelles, baboons and birdlife
  • Experience hot and dry eastern Ethiopian landscapes
  • Explore historic Harar and its old walled city
  • Visit traditional Harari homes
  • Discover colourful markets and cultural neighbourhoods
  • Experience Harar’s traditional hyena encounter
  • Visit Dire Dawa
  • Combine wildlife, history and culture in one itinerary

Detailed 6 Days Eastern Ethiopia Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Addis Ababa → Awash National Park

Depart Addis Ababa in the morning and drive east towards Awash National Park.

The journey passes through Ethiopia’s Rift Valley landscapes and changing climatic zones.

After arriving in the Awash area, begin exploring the national park.

Depending on arrival time, visit Awash Falls, where the Awash River drops through a dramatic volcanic landscape.

Enjoy your first wildlife drive and look for species such as Beisa oryx, gazelles, baboons, warthogs and various birds.

Overnight: Awash area

Day 2 – Full-Day Awash National Park Exploration

Spend the day exploring Awash National Park and its surrounding landscapes.

Take an early wildlife drive when animals are generally more active.

The park’s dry savannah, acacia woodland, volcanic terrain and riverine environments support a variety of mammals and birds.

Depending on the route and current accessibility, visit viewpoints, Awash River landscapes and other natural attractions.

Return to your lodge in the afternoon for time to relax.

Overnight: Awash area

Day 3 – Awash → Dire Dawa → Harar

After breakfast, continue east towards Dire Dawa.

The landscape becomes progressively drier as you approach eastern Ethiopia.

Stop in Dire Dawa for lunch or a short exploration before continuing into the mountains towards Harar.

Arrive in Harar and check into your accommodation.

In the evening, experience Harar’s famous relationship with spotted hyenas. Your guide will explain how this unusual tradition developed and its place in local culture.

Overnight: Harar

Day 4 – Full-Day Harar City Tour

Spend a full day discovering the historic old city of Harar.

Walk through the gates of Jugol, explore narrow lanes and visit traditional Harari homes.

Learn about the city’s centuries of trade, Islamic scholarship and interaction between Harari, Oromo, Somali and other communities.

Explore colourful markets where spices, coffee, produce and household goods are traded.

Depending on current opening arrangements, visit selected museums, historic houses and other important sites.

The afternoon provides additional time for photography and walking through the old city.

Overnight: Harar

Day 5 – Harar Surroundings & Cultural Tour

Explore the countryside and communities surrounding Harar.

The region is well known for coffee, khat cultivation and small-scale agriculture.

Visit selected villages or agricultural areas where appropriate and learn more about rural life in eastern Ethiopia.

Depending on local arrangements and your interests, the day may include viewpoints, cultural encounters and additional market visits.

Return to Harar for your final evening in the city.

Overnight: Harar

Day 6 – Harar → Dire Dawa → Addis Ababa

After breakfast, drive to Dire Dawa.

Depending on your flight time, take a short tour of the city.

Explore selected historic neighbourhoods, commercial areas or sites connected to Dire Dawa’s railway heritage.

Transfer to Dire Dawa Airport for the flight back to Addis Ababa.

Your 6-day Eastern Ethiopia, Awash and Harar tour ends upon arrival in Addis Ababa.

Included in the Tour

  • Private transportation from Addis Ababa through Awash and eastern Ethiopia
  • Domestic Dire Dawa–Addis Ababa flight if specified in the confirmed package
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Experienced driver
  • Accommodation during the tour
  • Breakfast
  • Awash National Park entrance fees
  • Wildlife excursions
  • Awash Falls visit
  • Harar city entrance and attraction fees included in the itinerary
  • Local guides where required
  • Hyena experience
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinking water during road journeys
  • Government taxes and service charges

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Ethiopian visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and dinners unless specifically included
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal photography fees where applicable
  • Laundry
  • Personal purchases
  • Telephone and internet charges
  • Medical and emergency evacuation costs
  • Optional activities not stated in the itinerary

Additional Information

Tour Type

Wildlife, cultural, historical and scenic road tour.

Difficulty

Easy to moderate. The itinerary involves city walking, wildlife drives and several hours of road travel.

Wildlife

Possible sightings in Awash National Park include Beisa oryx, gazelles, warthogs, baboons and numerous bird species. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Climate

Awash and eastern Ethiopia can be considerably hotter and drier than Addis Ababa and Ethiopia’s northern highlands. Lightweight clothing, sun protection and sufficient drinking water are important.

Cultural Etiquette

Harar is an important centre of Islamic culture. Visitors should dress respectfully and follow guidance regarding photography and access to religious sites.

Best For

Travellers who want a broader Eastern Ethiopia tour combining wildlife and landscapes with the culture and history of Harar.

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