6-Day Harar & Awash Wilderness Expedition

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Tour

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be met by a Welcome Ethiopia Tours representative and be taken to your reserved hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we have various sightseeing options:

Mount Entoto with the best views over the capital.
Institute of Ethiopian Studies, where you can see a variety of artifacts from all the different regions reflecting the history and culture of the country
National Museum which among other exhibits the 3.5-million-year-old bones of Lucy.
Trinity Cathedral: this is the burial place of members of the imperial family and noted patriots; the cathedral is the most magnificent of its kind in the country, ornamented with carvings, mosaics and other artistic works.
The Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa.

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)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Ababa – Doho Lodge (267 km)

After breakfast, depart Addis Ababa and drive southeast through the Great Rift Valley, passing small towns, farmlands, and volcanic landscapes. Arrive at Doho Lodge, beautifully set beside natural hot springs and offering impressive views over the Aledeghi plains. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the warm therapeutic pools and watching wildlife roam the surrounding savanna. The area is known for stunning sunsets, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect break from the city.

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

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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:

Doho Lodge & Hot Springs

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve – Awash National Park (60 km)

Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve, one of Ethiopia’s best open savanna habitats. The area offers excellent chances to spot oryx, gazelles, ostriches, warthogs, and a rich variety of birdlife, along with hippos that often gather around the nearby lake. After the wildlife experience, continue to Awash National Park. Your lodge sits dramatically beside the Awash Falls, where the river plunges into a rocky gorge. The surroundings host monkeys, antelopes, crocodiles, and colorful birds. Relax in this beautiful setting and enjoy a striking sunset over the Awash River gorge.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Accommodation:

Doho Lodge & Hot Springs

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Awash National Park – Harar (328 km)

Begin the day with a morning game drive in Awash National Park, enjoying final sightings of antelopes, monkeys, and vibrant birdlife. After breakfast, set out on the long but scenic drive to Harar, passing desert plains, small villages, and the bustling Avadai Khat market, the largest in Ethiopia. Continue through Dire Dawa before arriving in the ancient walled city of Harar. In the evening, experience the famous Hyena Man ritual, where wild hyenas gather outside the city gates to be hand-fed—a thrilling cultural tradition. With some courage, you can also offer food to the hyenas yourself for an unforgettable moment.

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)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Explore the Historic Walled City of Harar

Today we delve into the rich heritage of Harar, the 16th-century fortified city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often called the fourth holiest city of Islam, Harar feels frozen in time with its narrow alleys, traditional homes, and vibrant markets. Visit the former residence of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, the National and Harari Cultural Museums, and the house of Ras Mekonnen, father of Emperor Haile Selassie. Explore colorful marketplaces, intricately decorated Harari houses, and hidden courtyards that reveal the city’s deep cultural legacy and centuries-old traditions.

Main Destination:

Harar (Town)

Accommodation:

Harar Ras Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Harar (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Harar – Dire Dawa Airport – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, transfer to Dire Dawa Airport for your midday flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, a day room will be arranged for your comfort. You’ll have free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping in the city’s vibrant markets and craft centers. In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring live cultural music, dances, and classic Ethiopian cuisine. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Bole International Airport for your departure or to your hotel if you are extending your stay in Ethiopia.

Departure or Individual Extension.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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