5 Days Tour To World Heritage–listed Harrar, Dire Dawa And Awash NATIONAL PARK

Set out on a captivating 5-day tour that transports you through Ethiopia’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities and stunning natural wonders. Enjoy the vibrant culture of Harar, explore ancient cave paintings in Dire Dawa, and witness the diverse wildlife of Awash National Park. This immersive journey offers a seamless blend of rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, promising an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking an enriching experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

This 5-day tour explores the UNESCO World Heritage city of Harar, Dire Dawa, and Awash National Park, offering a comprehensive experience of Ethiopia’s rich heritage and natural wonders.
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, professional guide services, accommodation, and most meals, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey.
Highlights of the tour include hyena feeding in Harar, discovering ancient cave paintings in Dire Dawa, and going on game drives in Awash National Park to spot diverse wildlife.
The tour is suitable for individuals with moderate physical fitness levels, and the intimate group size of up to 20 travelers ensures a personalized experience.
The tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa, allowing participants to explore Ethiopia’s vibrant capital and its blend of modern and ancient architecture.

Tour Overview

This 5-day tour provides an opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Harar, the nearby city of Dire Dawa, and the captivating Awash National Park.

Visitors will begin in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, before traveling to the walled city of Harar, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. They’ll witness the famous hyena feeding demonstration and explore the city’s winding alleys.

Next, they’ll visit Dire Dawa to see ancient cave paintings.

The tour culminates with a game drive in Awash National Park, where travelers can spot a variety of wildlife before returning to Addis Ababa.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes air-conditioned transportation, all applicable fees and taxes, professional guide services, accommodation, airport pickup and drop-offs, as well as a variety of meals.

Throughout the 5-day adventure, travelers will enjoy 4 dinners, 4 breakfasts, and 5 lunches. This comprehensive tour ensures a seamless and worry-free experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of the region.

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the group size is kept intimate, providing personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

Whether you’re exploring the walled city of Harar, witnessing the famous hyena feeding, or embarking on a game drive in Awash National Park, this tour has everything you need for an unforgettable journey.

Tour Logistics

With the tour inclusions covered, let’s now look at the logistics of this 5-day adventure.

The tour operates with a maximum group size of 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Pickup is available from selected points, with a start time of 9:00 AM, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

This flexibility allows travelers to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can make changes if needed.

Whether you’re joining from a central location or your hotel, the tour’s start time provides ample opportunity to begin your exploration of the historic cities and stunning natural wonders that await.

Health and Accessibility

Individuals with moderate physical fitness levels are well-suited for this tour, as it doesn’t require significant exertion. However, it may not be suitable for those with serious medical conditions. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted. Public transportation options are available in proximity to the tour’s activities.

The tour’s itinerary includes visits to the walled city of Harar, a game drive in Awash National Park, and viewing cave paintings in Dire Dawa. These activities may involve walking, hiking, and navigating uneven terrain. Travelers should ensure they’re comfortable with the physical demands of the tour before booking. Infants must be seated on laps during transportation, and the tour may not be ideal for young children or those with limited mobility.

Tour Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have left a total of 10 reviews for this 5-day tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.5 stars. None of the reviews were 5-star, suggesting there’s room for improvement.

The tour’s strengths seem to be its comprehensive itinerary and knowledgeable guides, who help visitors explore the UNESCO-listed Harar, Dire Dawa, and Awash National Park. However, some travelers may have found the pace or physical demands challenging.

The tour appears to offer a well-rounded experience, but prospective guests should carefully consider their fitness level and any special needs before booking.

The tour operator’s commitment to a low maximum group size of 20 travelers is a positive feature, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Tour Pricing

The tour starts at $871.80 per person, offering a lowest price guarantee. This cost includes all fees and taxes, guide fees, accommodation, airport pickup and drop-offs, and most meals.

Travelers can expect an air-conditioned vehicle and a maximum group size of 20 people. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

With 10 reviews and an overall 4.5-star rating, this tour provides an immersive experience exploring Harar’s walled city, witnessing the hyena feeding demonstration, and enjoying a game drive in Awash National Park before returning to Addis Ababa.

Explore Addis Ababa

Initially, Addis Ababa serves as the starting point for this 5-day tour, providing an opportunity to explore Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city. Visitors can marvel at the city’s unique blend of modern and ancient architecture, including the iconic St. George’s Cathedral and the National Museum, home to the renowned "Lucy" fossil. Exploring the bustling Mercato market offers a glimpse into the local culture, while a visit to one of the city’s many cafes allows for a taste of the renowned Ethiopian coffee. With its rich history, diverse cultural influences, and stunning natural landscapes, Addis Ababa sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Ethiopia.

Highlights	Duration	Entrance Fee
St. George’s Cathedral	1 hour	$3
National Museum	2 hours	$5
Mercato Market	1-2 hours	Free
Local Cafe	1 hour	$2-$5
City Viewpoint	30 mins	Free

Discover Harar, Dire Dawa, and Awash

Departing from Addis Ababa, the tour progresses to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Harar, renowned for its historic walled Old Town and thriving cultural traditions.

Visitors can explore the maze-like streets, browse local markets, and witness the iconic hyena feeding ritual.

The journey then takes them to Dire Dawa, where they’ll discover ancient cave paintings and learn about the region’s geological wonders.

Finally, the tour reaches Awash National Park, a haven for diverse wildlife. Guests can embark on a game drive, spotting an array of animals, from gazelles to the elusive Ethiopian endemic, the Swayne’s hartebeest.

This captivating itinerary offers a deep dive into Ethiopia’s rich heritage and natural splendor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Single Traveler?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a single traveler. The tour accepts individual bookings and has a maximum group size of 20 travelers, allowing solo travelers to join the experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator does not currently offer any discounted rates for students or seniors. The standard pricing applies to all travelers, regardless of age or student status. More information on any potential promotional offers may be available by contacting the company directly.

What Is the Dress Code for the Hyena Feeding Demonstration?

There is no specific dress code for the hyena feeding demonstration. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes. Visitors should also avoid wearing bright colors that may attract the attention of the hyenas.

Can I Extend My Stay in Awash National Park?

Visitors can extend their stay in Awash National Park, but this would need to be arranged separately from the tour package. The tour only includes a single game drive in the park as part of the 5-day itinerary.

Are There Any Optional Activities I Can Add to the Tour?

The tour offers several optional activities that can be added, such as visiting the UNESCO-listed Harar Jugol, exploring the rock-hewn churches of Dire Dawa, or taking a guided hike in Awash National Park. Guests should inquire with the tour operator for details and pricing.