Harar

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Harar's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore Harar's Old City
morning
:

Start your day by wandering through the narrow alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City. Visit the majestic Al-Nejashi Mosque and take in the stunning architecture.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery and taste the famous Ethiopian injera. Afterwards, visit the vibrant local markets to shop for unique handicrafts.

evening
:

Watch the sun set over Harar's landscape from the hilltop. Dine at a restaurant featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

day 2
Meet Harar's Hyenas
morning
:

Head to the outskirts of the city to learn about the fascinating hyena feeding tradition. Interact with locals who have been feeding hyenas for generations.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant known for its delicious dishes. Afterward, take a walking tour to explore nearby attractions like the Ras Mekonnen's House.

evening
:

Join an evening hyena feed, where you can observe this unique practice up close. Capture stunning photos as the hyenas come out to feed.

day 3
Discover Harar's Art Scene
morning
:

Visit local art galleries that showcase the works of talented Ethiopian artists. Engage with the artists and learn about the inspirations behind their creations.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a cafe that features art exhibitions, surrounded by beautiful pieces. Spend the afternoon participating in an art workshop to create your own masterpiece.

evening
:

Attend an art show or local performance if available. Conclude your day with a relaxed dinner at a trendy restaurant.

day 4
Taste of Harar
morning
:

Begin your culinary adventure at a local market where you can experience Harar's diverse food offerings. Engage with vendors and sample fresh produce and spices.

afternoon
:

Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Harari dishes. Enjoy the meal you’ve prepared while learning about the cultural significance of each ingredient.

evening
:

Join a food tour through the city that features various street food delicacies. End the day with a traditional coffee ceremony.

day 5
Historical Sites Tour
morning
:

Visit the historic Erer and Harar gates, learning about their significance in Harar's history. Explore the ancient churches and mosques that tell the story of this unique city.

afternoon
:

Break for lunch at a historical restaurant that serves local dishes. Then, continue your historical exploration at the Harari Cultural Museum.

evening
:

Enjoy a historical storytelling session in one of Harar's historic sites. Have dinner surrounded by reminders of the city's rich past.

day 6
Nature and Parks
morning
:

Spend your morning at the nearby Jugol (the old walled city) and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens. Take in the crisp morning air and the vibrant colors of nature.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a local cafe with outdoor seating, enjoying the views. Afterward, visit the Harar Fortress for panoramic views of the landscape.

evening
:

Relax at a park while watching the sunset. Grab an evening snack from nearby vendors and soak in the local atmosphere.

day 7
Music and Dance
morning
:

Learn about the rich musical culture of Harar by visiting local music schools. Engage with students and teachers to get an insight into their musical practices.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a venue that features live music. Then, participate in a traditional dance session to experience the local culture firsthand.

evening
:

Attend live music performances by local artists. Enjoy dinner at a venue that showcases traditional Harari music and dance.

day 8
Shopping Extravaganza
morning
:

Visit artisanal shops around the Old City to pick up unique souvenirs like traditional garments and crafts. Meet local artisans and hear their stories.

afternoon
:

Stop for lunch at a favorite local spot known for great coffee and pastries. Spend your afternoon exploring more shops and galleries.

evening
:

Take a leisurely evening walk around the market to see crafted goods illuminated at dusk. Enjoy dinner at a favorite restaurant to celebrate your finds.

day 9
Cultural Learnings
morning
:

Visit the local libraries and bookshops to learn more about Harar's literary scene. Discover works by local authors and gain insight into their stories.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch sprinkled with literary discussions among fellow travelers. Attend a workshop about Harar’s cultural heritage in the afternoon.

evening
:

Participate in a local book club or reading session if available. Have dinner while discussing the literary inspirations of the region.

day 10
Community Connections
morning
:

Join a local community initiative or volunteer program that focuses on environmental or cultural preservation. Engage with the community and learn about their projects.

afternoon
:

Have lunch sharing experiences with fellow volunteers. Spend the afternoon helping organize local events or outreach activities.

evening
:

End your day with a cultural exchange event, sharing stories and experiences with local residents. Enjoy dinner at a community-oriented restaurant.

Discover Harar

Read more in our Harar 2024 Travel Guide.

Harar Travel Guide