Things To Do
in Harar
Harar is a centuries-old, walled city in eastern Ethiopia whose labyrinthine lanes host a vibrant mix of mosques, markets, and colorful houses. The ancient Jugol fortress and its 365 mosques give the city a unique spiritual and architectural character. The hyena feeding ritual at dusk near the city gates is a famous, photogenic spectacle that draws visitors from around the world.
With a warm, compact center and hillside viewpoints, Harar offers a compact, culturally immersive experience in a highland setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the narrow streets of Harar's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the vibrant markets where local artisans showcase their crafts and fresh produce. Don't miss the famous Harar Jugol, the old walled city, where you can admire the unique architecture and colorful doors.
After lunch at a local eatery, delve deeper into Harar's rich history by visiting the Harari National Museum. This museum houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Harari people and their cultural heritage. Spend some time interacting with local residents, who are often happy to share tales of their traditions and customs.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony in a local café. The aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans fills the air as you sit with locals, learning about the significance of coffee in Ethiopian culture. End your evening with a stroll along the city walls, taking in panoramic views of Harar and the surrounding landscape.
Begin the day with a visit to the famous Hyena Man of Harar, who has captivated visitors with his unique bond with these wild creatures. Arrive early to witness the feeding ritual, where you can safely interact and even feed the hyenas. This extraordinary experience offers insight into the local beliefs and the symbiotic relationship between the community and hyenas.
After your morning adventure, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Abubakar Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Harar. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you explore the intricate architecture and learn about the role of Islam in Harari culture. Stop by a local restaurant for lunch, sampling traditional dishes such as injera and doro wat.
As twilight descends, prepare for an evening guided tour of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Visit local bars and listen to traditional music while engaging with residents enjoying their evening. Capture the lively atmosphere and perhaps join in a spontaneous dance, celebrating Harar's spirited community.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🚎Local transport (short ride) | $0.5-1 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $0.5-2 |
| 🛏️Budget dorm bed (per night) | $8-20 |
| 🎟️Entrance to historic sites | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and UNESCO-listed architecture within a compact, walkable city
- Unique cultural experiences such as the hyena feeding and traditional coffee ceremonies
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure outside the main sights
- Seasonal weather can affect travel plans (rainy season and dusty roads)
- "Selam" - Hello
- "Amesegenallo" - Thank you
- "Dehna neh?" - How are you?
- "Aydelem" - No
Places to Visit in Harar
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient fortress walls with striking silhouettes at sunrise and sunset, offering dramatic cityscape photography.
Vibrant lanes lined with colorful houses, mosques, textiles, and daily market life—great for candid and architectural shots.
Panoramic views of Harar’s tiled rooftops and surrounding highland countryside ideal for wide-angle shots.
Evening interaction with the local wildlife at the edge of the old city, capturing atmospheric, dramatic imagery (from a safe vantage point).
Food in Harar
Harar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sour flatbread served with a range of spicy stews, the staple combination in Ethiopian meals.
Must-Try!
A creamy chickpea or bean stew seasoned with berbere and niter kibbeh for depth.
A thick porridge typically served with clarified butter and berbere.
A rich, slow-cooked spicy chicken stew with hard-boiled eggs, commonly eaten with injera.
A hearty lentil stew seasoned with berbere and spices.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh produce, spices, coffee, and street snacks; great for observing local food culture.
Stalls offering quick bites like injera wraps, tibs, roasted corn, and fried snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially in religious sites and traditional neighborhoods; shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting religious or formal areas.
Offer a respectful greeting when meeting locals; politeness and patience go far in conversations and bargaining.
Ask permission before taking photos of people, particularly inside religious spaces or homes.
Be mindful of prayer times, rituals, and respectful conduct around places of worship.
Safety
Tipping in Harar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for guided tours, drivers, and restaurant staff. Typical tips range from a few birr for small services to around 5–10% for larger services or guided experiences.
Cash (ETB) is widely used; some hotels, larger shops, and tourist-oriented outfits may accept credit cards. ATMs exist in larger towns nearby; carry small denominations for street vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm daytime temperatures with cooler nights; occasional short rains and dust; light clothing, sun protection, and a light jacket for evenings are recommended.
Generally dry and pleasant; clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures; good for outdoor exploration and photography.
Cool to chilly mornings and evenings; pleasant daytime warmth; bring layers for early mornings and nights.
Warm to hot days with dry conditions; dusty streets possible; stay hydrated and pace outdoor activities accordingly.
Harar at Night
Hiking in Harar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, scenic ascent offering city views and a chance to observe rural landscapes within an hour's walk.
Gentle rural routes near Harar that pass coffee farms and traditional homesteads, suitable for easy day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Harar by plane.
Closest regional airport offering domestic and limited international connections; typically the gateway for arrivals to eastern Ethiopia and a common transfer point to Harar by road.
Major international hub in Ethiopia; many travelers connect through Addis Ababa before domestic flights or overland travel to Harar via Dire Dawa.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous inhabitants of the Harari region, culturally and linguistically significant to Harar’s identity.
Significant neighboring groups that contribute to the region’s cultural and economic diversity.
Smaller communities living in and around Harar, contributing to a multicultural city atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local matches and informal games common in towns and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Harar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Harari and Ethiopian cuisine offers abundant vegetarian options like shiro, misir wot, genfo, lentil salads, and injera with wat plant-based toppings. Request dairy-free or oil-based preparations where needed, and ask for clarified butter or vegetable oil instead of animal fats.