6-Day Discover Eastern Ethiopia Nature & Culture Tour

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Drive from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive east from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park, a journey of approximately 4–5 hours through the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you'll pass through changing landscapes from highland plateaus to acacia-dotted lowlands offering the first glimpse of Ethiopia’s natural diversity.
Arriving at Awash National Park, we begin exploring this semi-arid reserve known for its rugged beauty and wildlife. Depending on arrival time, we’ll enjoy an afternoon, with the chance to spot oryx, baboons, warthogs, gazelles, and a wide variety of birds. One of the highlights is the dramatic Awash River Falls, where the river cascades into a deep gorge, creating a spectacular natural setting. Overnight stay Genet Hotel Awash.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Best Time To Visit October to February (Little rain and less hot)

High Season September to April (The park is never busy)

Best Weather October to February

Wildlife in Awash NP

Olive Baboon Abundant

Beisa Oryx Common

Soemmerring's
Gazelle Common

Hamadryas
Baboon Common

Salt's Dik-dik Common

Show more

Lesser Kudu Occasional

Desert Warthog Occasional

Defassa Waterbuck Occasional

Nile Crocodile Occasional

Spotted Hyena Occasional

Guereza Monkey Rare

Ethiopian Wolf None

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Genet Hotel Awash

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Explore Wildlife safari, Filwoha Hot Springs and birdwatching

We dedicate the day to fully exploring Awash National Park, beginning with a morning drive through the Ilala Sala plains in search of more wildlife. With luck, you might see greater kudu, crocodiles, or even ostriches roaming the grasslands. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded.
Later in the day, we travel to the northern section of the park to visit the beautiful Filwoha Hot Springs warm, turquoise pools surrounded by palm trees in the middle of the desert. This hidden oasis is ideal for relaxation, and the surrounding area often attracts animals and birds.
Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy dinner under the stars, listening to the wild sounds of Awash. Overnight stay Genet Hotel Awash.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Accommodation:

Genet Hotel Awash

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Morning Wildlife Viewing & Afternoon Drive to Addis Ababa

Start the morning with one last early game drive in the park, taking in the peaceful surroundings and catching animals during their most active hours. After breakfast, we begin our drive back to Addis Ababa, retracing our route through the Rift Valley.
We arrive in Addis in the afternoon or early evening. Depending on your preference, you can relax at your hotel or head out for a casual dinner in the city. Overnight stay Triple-E Hotel and Spa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Fly from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa – Transfer to Harar

After breakfast, we transfer to Addis Ababa Bole Airport for your short domestic flight to Dire Dawa, the nearest airport to Harar. Upon arrival, our local guide will meet you and drive you (approx. 1.5–2 hours) through the dry, lowland scenery to the ancient, walled city of Harar.
After checking in to your hotel inside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Harar Jugol, you will enjoy a relaxed walk through the narrow alleyways and colorful markets that define this historical Islamic city. Harar is known for its unique blend of cultures, with over 80 mosques and 100 shrines inside the old walls.
In the evening, you'll witness one of Harar’s most fascinating traditions the hyena feeding ceremony, where locals feed wild hyenas by hand just outside the city gates. This surreal experience is a powerful example of coexistence between people and wildlife.
Overnight stay Harar Ras Hotel.

Main Destination:

Harar (Town)

Accommodation:

Harar Ras Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Harar (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Explore Harar History and Culture

Today is all about immersing yourself in the deep culture and spiritual history of Harar, often called the "City of Saints. We'll visit iconic sites such as:
The Arthur Rimbaud House, where the French poet once lived
Traditional Harari homes, decorated with colorful woven baskets and artifacts
The Muslim and Christian markets, where spices, coffee, and local crafts are sold
Several ancient mosques and shrines tucked into the old city walls
You’ll also experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a social and cultural ritual that holds deep significance in Ethiopian life. Harar is considered the birthplace of Ethiopian coffee, and tasting it here is a must.
Overnight stay Harar Ras Hotel.

Main Destination:

Harar (Town)

Accommodation:

Harar Ras Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Harar (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Fly Dire Dawa to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, we drive back to Dire Dawa Airport and catch your return flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, depending on your schedule, we can offer an optional city tour or time for shopping at local craft markets.
If time allows, we’ll close your journey with a farewell lunch or coffee at a local restaurant. Then transfer to your hotel or directly to the international airport for your departure flight.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.