East Ethiopia trip to Harar, Dire Dawa & Babile






Group size
4-8
Tour duration
6 Days
Price Per Person
€ 1,100
BOOKABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR
Overview
Eastern Ethiopia, with its vibrant cities of Harar and Dire Dawa, offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s an overview:
Geography:
Eastern Ethiopia encompasses diverse landscapes, from arid plains to lush highlands. It’s bordered by Somalia to the east, Djibouti to the northeast, and the Ethiopian Highlands to the west.
Harar:
History
Harar, one of Ethiopia’s oldest cities, has a rich history dating back to the 7th century. It was an important trading hub along ancient caravan routes.
Culture
Known as the “City of Saints,” Harar is renowned for its unique Islamic heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow alleyways, colorful markets, and traditional Harari houses.
Attractions: Visitors can explore attractions like the Rimbaud House (former home of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud), the 16th-century Jami Mosque, and the Hyena Man, who feeds wild hyenas every night outside the city walls.
Dire Dawa:
History: Founded in the late 19th century as a major railway hub, Dire Dawa has a more cosmopolitan vibe compared to Harar. It served as an important gateway to Ethiopia’s interior during the colonial era.
Culture: Dire Dawa is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Somali, Afar, and Ethiopian communities. Its bustling markets, lively cafes, and diverse cuisine reflect this cultural tapestry.
Attractions: Highlights include the colorful Central Market, the historic Dire Dawa Railway Station, and the tranquil Kefira Market. Nearby attractions include the scenic Awash National Park and the mystical rock formations of Babile Elephant Sanctuary.
Economy and Infrastructure:
Both Harar and Dire Dawa are vital economic centers in Eastern Ethiopia. Dire Dawa serves as a regional transportation hub, with its airport and railway connections facilitating trade and commerce. Harar, on the other hand, relies on tourism, agriculture, and handicrafts as key economic drivers.
Eastern Ethiopia, with its captivating cities of Harar and Dire Dawa, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether exploring the ancient streets of Harar or experiencing the cosmopolitan charm of Dire Dawa, visitors are sure to be enchanted by the region’s rich tapestry of traditions and landscapes.
EASTERN ETHIOPIA 6 DAYS TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ADDIS ABABA
Morning: Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole international airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by representative and drive to your hotel. Check-in to your hotel. Afternoon: first we will attend a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony to welcome you then we start your Tour in National Museum of Ethiopia home to one of the world’s most important paleontological exhibits in the world; ‘Lucy’. Evening: Stroll through the Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: ADDIS ABABA – DIRE-DAWA
Moring: fly to Dire-Dawa (approx. 1 hour), the second-largest city in Ethiopia. The best known to the mosaic culture and strategically located along the newly revamped railway line linking Addis Ababa to the coast of Djibouti. Check-in to your hotel and afterwards explore Dire-Dawa’s bustling markets, such as the colorful Kezira Market, where you can experience the vibrant local culture and traditional Ethiopian cuisine. Afternoon, visit the Dire-Dawa-Railway-Station, one of the oldest railway stations in Ethiopia, and learn about the city’s important role in the country’s transportation history. Overnight stay in Dere Dawa
DAY 3: DRIVE – DIRE DAWA – HARAR
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Harar (approx. 2 hours), often referred to as the “City of love” and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Harar, check-into your hotel and set out to explore the city’s ancient walls, narrow alleyways, and historic landmarks. Visit the vibrant markets, such as the famous Harar Market, where you can shop for spices, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. In the evening, experience the unique tradition of feeding hyenas at the Hyena Man’s House, a centuries-old ritual that has become a popular tourist attraction. Overnight stay in Dire Dawa
Day 4: EXCURSION IN HARAR
Spend the day delving deeper into the rich history and culture of Harar. Visit the Harar Museum to learn about the city’s fascinating past, including its significance as a center of Islamic scholars and trade. Explore the colorful neighbor hoods of Harar, including the Old Town, where you can admire the traditional Harari architecture and visit historical and marks such as the Jami Mosque and the Emir Nur Tomb. Don’t miss the chance to sample Harrar’s famous coffee, considered some of the best in Ethiopia, at one of the local coffee houses. Overnight stay in Harar
DAY 5: DRIVE – HARAR – BABILE
In the morning depart from Harar and drive to Babile (approx. 1 hour), a small town known for its spectacular rock formations and diverse wildlife. Along the way, stop at the Babile Elephant Sanctuary, where you can spot herds of wild elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. Explore the stunning rock formations of the Babile Mountains, including the famous “Valley of Marvels,” renowned for its unique geological features and breathtaking landscapes. Spend the night in Babile, either camping under the stars or staying in a local guest house.
DAY 6: DRIVE BABILE – DIRE DAWA – ADDIS ABABA (FLIGHT)
After breakfast, drive from Babile to Dire Dawa (approx. 2hour) and fly back to Addis Ababa. Today in Addis Ababa, there is time for last Souvenirs shopping and to visit a community-led initiative like child support centre or elderly care centre. In the evening, we will have a goodbye dinner in a traditional restaurant with Ethiopian music and dance. Afterwards we drive to Bole international Airport or to your hotel, based on your back home flight schedule.
Notes:
Exploring Eastern Ethiopia offers a fascinating expedition through history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s an overview of a trip that includes visits to Harar, Dire Dawa, and Babile.
- Round Trips and all Transfers according to the Program in a modern vehicle.
- All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines (economy class).
- All overnight stays in 3–4-star hotels/lodges in a double room.
- Daily breakfast and dinner include non-alcohol drinks.
- Drinking water throughout the Tour.
- 24/7 contact person during your stay in Ethiopia.
- Qualified, German-/ English – speaking tour guide and scout in the National Park.
- All national park and entrance fees.
- Visit a local initiative and project.
- All government taxes for the services included in the tour.
- Participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
- International flight.
- Single room.
- Any meals not mentioned in the Package.
- Video and photo fees.
- Tips (e.g. for tour guides, drivers, scouts and hotel staff).
- Personal expenses and
- Visa fee.
Physical condition:
On this Tour, there are visiting points that can only be reached on good physical mobility. For this reason, this trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. In individual cases, please contact us for further information.
Accommodation:
the Hotels und Lodges classified 3-4 star, based on Ethiopian standardization.
Occasional power and hot water outages may occur.
Visa:
All nationals require except Kenia und Djibouti requires an entry visa to visit Ethiopia. The entry visa can be obtained from an Ethiopian Embassy or a consulate general (processing time may take several weeks). Or the visa can be applied online www.evisa.gov.et (processing time may take 1-3 working day). In this case, you will receive the visa on arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa upon presentation of the confirmation e-mail. To enter Ethiopia or apply for a visa, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months After the End of your Trip.
Vaccinations:
Vaccinations are not mandatory, when you enter directly from Europe to Ethiopia. When you come from one of the yellow fever areas, proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination is required for a trip in Ethiopia. Please speak with your doctor regarding vaccinations and health issues for your Trip.
BALTHASAR TRAVEL RECOMMENDED A TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE TOUR. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD BE ORGANIZED IN THE COUNTRY WHERE YOU LIVE.
Tour Dates | Price Per Person |
06.12.2024 – 11.12. 2024 | € 1.100 |
03.01.2025 – 08.01. 2025 | € 1.100 |
02.02.2025 – 07.02. 2025 | € 1.100 |
31.03.2025 – 05. 03. 2025 | € 1.100 |
02.04.2025 – 07.04. 2025 | € 1.100 |
05.05.2025 – 10.05. 2025 | € 1.100 |
16.06.2025 – 21.06.2025 | € 1.100 |
13.07.2025 – 18.07.2025 | € 1.100 |
20.08.2025 – 25.08.2025 | € 1.100 |
24.09.2025 – 29.09.2025 | € 1.100 |
23.10.2025 – 28.10.2025 | € 1.100 |
05.11.2025 – 10.11.2025 | € 1.100 |
10.12.2025 – 15.12.2025 | € 1.100 |
Note:
1.This Price applies when you fly with Ethiopian Airlines, as Ethiopian Airlines charges a surcharge on the domestic flights when you fly with other airline. For this tour, the surcharge is € 150 per Person.
2.Single Room: € 150.
3.This tour can be also booked as a private tour, the tour programm can be adapted to your individual wishes and the Tour date is flexible;
-Price: € 1.290 per person (by 2 travelers) with English-speaking tour guide.
OR
-Price: € 1.510 per Person (by 2 travelers) with German-speaking tour guide.
ask us
anything
Are you intersted to
make a trip to Ethiopia individually?
This tour can be also booked as a private tour, the tour programm can be adapted to your individual wishes and the Tour date is flexible;
-Price: € 1.290 per person (by 2 travelers) with English-speaking tour guide.
OR
-Price: € 1.510 per Person (by 2 travelers) with German speaking Tour guide.
We will be glad to advise you!
Do you have Questions about Ethiopia, a travel offer, would you like individual advice or do you have another concern ? You can call us or drop us an email!