PlanningAugust 21, 20269 min read
Travel in Ethiopia: the ultimate guide to exploring the Land of Origins
Where to go, what to do, what to eat and how long you need: everything to plan your first journey through Ethiopia.
UNESCO Heritage · Eastern Ethiopia
Harar
One of the holiest cities in Islam, set among green hills on the eastern wall of the Rift Valley, its maze of alleys enclosed by the Jugol wall since the 16th century.
- Best Time
- October to March
- Suggested Stay
- 2 days
- Altitude
- 1,885 m
- Region
- Eastern Ethiopia
Why We Go
A walled Muslim city of 82 mosques, colourful markets and the hyena men.
Founded between the 7th and 11th centuries, Harar became the capital of an independent Muslim emirate in the 16th century, when Emir Nur built the Jugol wall to protect it. For centuries it was the centre of Islamic learning in the Horn of Africa and a prosperous caravan city trading with Arabia and beyond. Its old town, with 82 mosques and more than a hundred shrines in less than half a square kilometre, was inscribed by UNESCO in 2006.
Today the Adare, Oromo, Somali and Amhara peoples share its lanes and markets, where women in vivid dresses sell spices, woven baskets and silver jewellery beneath Moorish arches. Visit the former home of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, and as night falls, watch the hyena men feed wild hyenas by hand, a tradition that has continued for generations.
Highlights
- The Jugol, Harar’s historic walled town, with its five ancient gates
- The hyena-feeding ritual outside the walls at dusk
- Arthur Rimbaud’s house and the Harari cultural museum
- Spice, basket and silversmith markets of the old city
Journeys Including Harar
Routes that pass through here
More in Eastern Ethiopia
From The Travel Journal
Read more about Harar
Plan This Destination
Build Harar into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and our team will plan the route, including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
Let’s Plan Your Ethiopian Adventure
Tell us a little about your travel plans. We’ll help you create a journey that suits your interests.
Discover Ethiopia. Experience the Extraordinary!
Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our guides travel these routes all year. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or the best time to visit. You will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on +251 912 039405