Overview UNESCO Heritage Harar with wild hyena feeding adventure

Harar is one of Ethiopia’s most enchanting destinations located in the eastern part of Ethiopia, 525 km from the capital of Addis Ababa.Harar is surrounded by a fortified wall four metres high since the 16 century, cut through by five gates. Inside the Harer Jugol is a maze of 362 narrow alleys bordered by small traditional houses influenced by Indian and yemen art. Often called the “City of Saints” or the “Fourth Holiest City of Islam,” it offers a blend of deep spiritual history and surreal local traditions.
🏛️ Historical Overview
  • The Adal Sultanate: Founded between the 7th and 11th centuries, Harar became the capital of the Adal Sultanate in the 1520s. It was a major hub for trade between the Red Sea and the Ethiopian highlands.
  • The Jugol (The Wall): In the 1560s, Emir Nur built the massive 5-meter high stone walls that still encircle the city. These walls were designed to protect Harar from Oromo migrations and external invasions.Harar Jugol numbers 82 mosques, three of which date from the 10th century, 102 shrines and a number of traditional, Indian and combined townhouses with unique interior designs, which constitute a spectacular part of Harar’s cultural heritage.
  • Independence & Integration: Harar remained an independent city-state for centuries, even minting its own currency, until it was annexed by Egypt in 1875 and later by Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia in 1887.
  • UNESCO Heritage: The old town, known as Harar Jugol, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 for its unique urban layout and well-preserved architecture.
Top Attractions
Attraction Why Visit? The “Cool” Factor
Hyena Feeding Ritual Every night, “Hyena Men” call wild hyenas to the city gates and feed them by hand/mouth. You can participate and feel the breath of a wild hyena on your neck!
Arthur Rimbaud House A beautiful, ornate Indian-style mansion where the French poet lived during his exile as a trader. It houses rare historical photographs of Harar taken in the late 19th century.
The City Gates There are five original gates (now six) that represent the entrances to the city’s districts. Each gate has its own market and distinct vibe.
Traditional Harari Houses Known as Gey Gar, these homes feature raised floor levels and walls covered in colorful baskets. The interior design is deeply symbolic, representing the family’s status and history.
Sherif Harar City Museum A private collection of manuscripts, traditional weapons, and jewelry in an old mansion. It offers the most intimate look at Harar’s diverse cultural identity.
 Local Culture Tips
  • The “Beer of Coffee”: Harar is famous for its sun-dried coffee, which has a distinct blueberry/wine-like aroma. Try a traditional coffee ceremony inside a local home.
  • Khat Markets: Harar is the center of the Khat trade (a stimulant leaf). The nearby Aweday market is most active at night and is a sensory overload of trucks and trade.
  • Labyrinthian Streets: There are 368 narrow alleyways in Harar Jugol. Getting lost is part of the experience—just follow the colorful walls and friendly “Salam” greetings.

Itinerary UNESCO Heritage Harer city 24 hours visit

Day 1 – Arrive in  Harar (UNESCO City)

(Approx. 1.5-hour scenic drive through mountains if you book our car share link otherwise Can you rotate the whole Harer wallß)

Arrive in Harar Jugol, the walled old city (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Harar Old Town Tour

  • Walk inside the narrow alleyways of the ancient city walls
  • Visit traditional Harari houses
  • See colorful doors, courtyards, and Islamic architecture
  • Visit Rimbaud House (linked to the French poet Arthur Rimbaud)
  • Explore Harar Museums

Evening Highlight: Hyena Feeding

  • Witness the famous “Hyena Man” feeding wild hyenas outside the city walls — a unique centuries-old tradition.

Experience: One of Africa’s most unique and mystical cities

Overnight in Harar.

 

Day 2 Morning – Harar Cultural Immersion

  • Visit Grand Mosque of Harar
  • Explore local markets:
    • Basket market
    • Spice market
    • Traditional Harari coffee and chat culture
  • Learn about Harar’s role as the fourth holiest city in Islam
  • Optional village visit outside Harar to see Oromo or Harari rural life

Afternoon at leisure for photography and interaction with locals.

Overnight in Harar or directly returen to Diredawa the second nearby city.

 

 

Services Included

The UNESCO Heritage Harar wall city visit  with wild hyena feeding adventure includes

  • Tour guide  and driver costs if you choose the option GUIDE
  • 24 Hour available customer support
Services excluded
  • International air/flight tickets,
  • Public transport  and taxi to the attractions
  • Meals and Alcohol beverages,
  • Entrance fee,
  • Tips and items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc
  • All expense that are not mentioned in the included part

UNESCO Heritage Harar cityin 24 hours with wild hyena feeding adventure  can be extended to day tour to  the Babile elephant sancturay. babile is home to the elephant unique race Loxodonta africana orleansi which is endemic only  in East africa. Not only Elephants , lions, and other 36 types of mamals and more than 200 types of birds are awaiting you in babile day tour.

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