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Harar, ኢትዮጵያ إثيوبيا - Things to Do in Harar

Things to Do in Harar

Harar, ኢትዮጵያ إثيوبيا - Complete Travel Guide

Harar, Ethiopia's ancient walled city, stands as one of Africa's most significant Islamic centers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known locally as 'Gey' meaning 'the city,' Harar boasts over 1,000 years of history within its distinctive stone walls, featuring 82 mosques, 102 shrines, and countless traditional Harari houses with their characteristic colorful facades and intricate wooden balconies. The city's narrow cobblestone alleys wind through bustling markets, traditional coffee houses, and historic sites that tell the story of centuries of trade, culture, and religious devotion. This mystical city offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Ethiopia's Islamic heritage, complete with the famous hyena feeding tradition that has continued for generations. Harar's unique blend of African, Arabian, and Indian influences creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Ethiopia, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking cultural immersion and historical discovery.

Top Things to Do in Harar

Explore the Historic Walled City (Jugol)

Wander through the narrow alleyways of Africa's fourth holiest Islamic city, discovering ancient mosques, traditional Harari houses, and bustling local markets. The UNESCO-protected old town contains centuries of architectural treasures and offers glimpses into daily life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Booking Tip: Join guided walking tours for 200-400 ETB ($4-8) to fully understand the historical significance. Early morning tours (8-10 AM) offer the best lighting for photography and cooler temperatures.

Witness the Hyena Feeding Ceremony

Experience one of Ethiopia's most unique traditions as local hyena men hand-feed wild spotted hyenas just outside the city walls. This centuries-old practice demonstrates the remarkable relationship between the people of Harar and these powerful predators who help keep the city clean.

Booking Tip: Evening sessions start around 7 PM and cost 100-200 ETB ($2-4). Book through your hotel or local guides, and bring a flashlight. The experience lasts 30-45 minutes.

Visit Traditional Coffee Houses

Immerse yourself in Ethiopia's coffee culture at authentic Harari coffee houses where locals gather to discuss daily life over freshly roasted beans. These social hubs offer insight into local customs while you enjoy some of the world's finest coffee in its birthplace.

Booking Tip: No booking required - simply walk in and order. Expect to pay 20-50 ETB ($0.50-1) per cup. Visit between 2-5 PM when locals traditionally gather for coffee ceremonies.

Explore Rimbaud House Museum

Visit the former residence of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, now converted into a museum showcasing his time in Harar and the city's cultural history. The traditional Harari architecture and exhibits provide context for both the poet's life and local heritage.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 50 ETB ($1) and the museum is open 8:30 AM-12 PM and 2-5:30 PM daily except Mondays. Allow 45 minutes for your visit and combine with nearby attractions.

Shop at Gidir Magala Market

Browse through one of Ethiopia's most vibrant traditional markets, where vendors sell everything from colorful spices and traditional textiles to handcrafted baskets and local artwork. The market provides an authentic glimpse into daily Harari life and excellent opportunities for cultural photography.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (7-10 AM) for the best selection and most active atmosphere. Bring small bills for purchases and practice basic bargaining - expect to pay 30-50% of the initial asking price.

Getting There

Harar is accessible by road from Addis Ababa via a scenic 8-hour drive through the Ethiopian highlands, with regular bus services departing from Meskel Square costing around 200-300 ETB ($4-6). The journey passes through Awash National Park and offers stunning mountain vistas. Alternatively, Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights to Dire Dawa (45 minutes from Addis Ababa), followed by a 1-hour drive to Harar costing 300-500 ETB ($6-10) by taxi or minibus.

Getting Around

Harar's old city is best explored on foot due to its narrow cobblestone streets and compact size - most attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other. For longer distances or trips outside the walls, blue and white minibuses (bajaj) cost 5-10 ETB per ride, while private taxis charge 50-100 ETB for city trips. Many hotels can arrange bicycle rentals for 100-150 ETB per day, which is ideal for exploring the surrounding areas and nearby villages.

Where to Stay

Jugol (Old City)
New Harar
Ras Makonnen area
Near Harar Gate
Feres Magala district
Around Cultural Center

Food & Dining

Harar's culinary scene reflects its multicultural heritage, blending Ethiopian, Somali, and Arabian influences in dishes like camel meat, spiced rice, and traditional injera with unique local stews. Local restaurants and coffee houses serve authentic Harari cuisine at very affordable prices (50-150 ETB/$1-3 per meal), while the famous khat-chewing culture is accompanied by sweet tea and honey wine. Don't miss trying the local specialty of roasted barley coffee and traditional sweets made with honey and sesame, available at numerous small cafes throughout the old city.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ethiopia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Cravings Restaurant & Bar

4.6 /5
(2395 reviews)
bar

Golden Plate Restaurant | Bole | ጎልደን ፕሌት ሬስቶራንት | ቦሌ

4.7 /5
(570 reviews)

Louvre Grand Hotel & Restaurant

4.5 /5
(324 reviews)
lodging

Atmosphere

4.5 /5
(224 reviews)
art_gallery bar

Vaccari Italian Restaurant

4.5 /5
(220 reviews)

Belvedere Restaurant

4.5 /5
(216 reviews)

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Harar is during the dry season from October to March when temperatures are comfortable (15-25°C/59-77°F) and rainfall is minimal. The period from December to February offers the most pleasant weather with clear skies perfect for photography and outdoor exploration. Avoid the rainy season (June-September) when heavy downpours can make navigating the cobblestone streets challenging, though this period does offer lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.

Insider Tips

Respect local customs by dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when visiting mosques and religious sites, and always ask permission before photographing people
Learn a few basic Harari or Amharic phrases - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it enhances cultural interactions significantly
Bring cash in small denominations as most establishments don't accept cards, and ATMs can be unreliable - exchange money in Dire Dawa or Addis Ababa before arriving

Explore Activities in Harar