Harar Trips & Tours

A medieval walled city with colourful alleyways, bustling markets and a fascination with wild hyena

A timeless city of crumbling shrines, mosques in their hundreds and maze-like alleyways that twist and turn to nowhere yet everywhere, Harar is more reminiscent of a town in northern Africa than anywhere in Ethiopia. Founded by Arabian immigrants in the 10th century, the city was the gateway for the spread of Islam into Africa and the iconic, fortified walls were in fact a defence against the neighbouring Christian empire. Today, it’s colourful, fascinating and a little bit eccentric, not least due to the ritual feeding of hyenas. A feared predator to most, the Hararis consider the hyenas to be good omens and around the city, there are several feeding stations to get up close and personal with the wild creatures. Incredible.

Things to do

What to do in Harar

Step through ancient gates into a world of winding alleyways, where hidden mosques peek out from behind weathered walls and the call to prayer mingles with the chatter of market traders. Wind your way through the UNESCO-listed old town, where every worn doorway and crumbling shrine has a story to tell. As dusk falls, witness one of the world's most unusual spectacles - the feeding of wild hyenas, a centuries-old ritual where these normally feared predators are welcomed as blessed guests of the city. Explore the vibrant markets where traders deal in everything from fragrant spices to traditional textiles, and peek into the quiet courtyards of traditional Harari homes, their interiors gleaming with collected treasures. Why not round off your day sipping traditional coffee in a centuries-old house, where the beans are roasted right before your eyes?

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