6-Day Wildlife&Cultural Journey Through Eastern Ethiopia

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa – Transfer to Awash National Park

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional tour guide and driver.
Please note that your first-day program will depend on your arrival time:
• If you arrive in the late afternoon or evening: You will be transferred directly to your hotel in Addis Ababa for check-in and an overnight stay.
• If you arrive in the morning: After meeting your guide and driver at the airport, you will begin your journey to Awash National Park, approximately a three-hour drive. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and, depending on the time, enjoy an afternoon exploration of the park.
Overnight at a hotel in Awash National Park.

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

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Genet Hotel Awash

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Full-Day Exploration of Awash National Park

Start your day early with a morning game drive in Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia's most remarkable wildlife destinations.
Explore the park's diverse wildlife, including greater and lesser kudus, gazelles, oryx, ostriches, and the fascinating secretary bird. Your professional guide and driver will help you discover the best wildlife-viewing locations while enjoying the park's beautiful landscapes.
Later, enjoy lunch at Doho Lodge, followed by a relaxing experience in its natural hot springs. Take a refreshing bath in the warm spring waters and explore the surrounding area while discovering the park's rich birdlife.
In the evening, relax at the comfortable lodge and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Overnight at Doho Lodge.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Activities:

• Game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle)

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)

Awash National Park – Harar

After breakfast, depart for the historic walled city of Harar, one of Ethiopia's most fascinating cultural destinations.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful landscapes of eastern Ethiopia. Along the way, make a few stops for photography, sightseeing, and short breaks while experiencing the local countryside and traditional villages.
Arrive in Harar in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Harar.

Main Destination:

Harar (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

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 and Hyena Feeding Experience

After breakfast, begin exploring the historic walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient architecture, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating traditions.
Accompanied by your professional local guide, walk through the city's narrow alleyways and discover its historic fortified walls, traditional Harari houses, colorful markets, and important cultural landmarks.
Learn about Harar's unique history, Islamic heritage, traditional customs, and the daily lives of its local communities.
In the evening, experience one of Harar's most famous and unusual cultural traditions: the traditional hyena-feeding ceremony. Visit the hyena-feeding site, where local hyena men attract wild hyenas and offer them food. Observe these fascinating animals at close range and learn about the longstanding relationship between the local community and the hyenas.
Enjoy this unique wildlife and cultural experience before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Harar.

Main Destination:

Harar (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Harar Ras Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Harar (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Excursion to Babile Elephant Sanctuary

After breakfast, depart for Babile Elephant Sanctuary, located approximately 50 km from Harar.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful landscapes of eastern Ethiopia before arriving at the sanctuary. Spend the day exploring the protected area and learning about its unique wildlife and natural environment.
With the assistance of your guide, explore the sanctuary and, if fortunate, observe the Ethiopian elephant and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spectacular landscapes while discovering the importance of wildlife conservation in the region.
In the late afternoon, drive back to Harar.
Overnight in Harar.

Main Destination:

Babile Elephant Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary)

Activities:

• Morning game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle)

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 – Flight to Addis Ababa – City Tour

After breakfast, transfer from Harar to Dire Dawa to catch your domestic flight to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa around midday, meet your local guide and driver and begin your city tour of Ethiopia's vibrant capital.
Your city tour will include:
• National Museum of Ethiopia: Visit one of the country's most important museums and discover its remarkable archaeological collections, including the famous fossil remains of Lucy, one of the earliest known human ancestors.
• Mount Entoto: Drive up to Entoto Mountain and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Addis Ababa. Discover the area's historical significance and enjoy its beautiful natural surroundings.
• Merkato: Explore one of Africa's largest open-air markets, a lively commercial center offering a fascinating glimpse into Ethiopia's traditional trade, culture, and everyday life.
After completing your city tour, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

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.