🌟 Key Experiences in Eastern Ethiopia
- Harar – Ancient history, Islamic culture, and hyena feeding.
- Dire Dawa – Markets, railway history, and urban culture.
- Somali Region – Wildlife, landscapes, and Somali heritage.
- Bale Mountains (optional) – Trekking, Ethiopian wolves, and scenic beauty.
📍 Harar – The Ancient Walled City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Harar Jugol (Walled City) – The 16th-century walled city with over 82 mosques and 102 shrines.
- Hyena Feeding at Harar – Watch locals hand-feed wild hyenas at night, a unique tradition.
- Arthur Rimbaud’s House – A museum dedicated to the French poet who lived in Harar.
- Harari Cultural House – See the traditional Harari-style home with colorful walls.
- Juma Mosque & Grand Market – A vibrant place to experience Harari culture and trade.
📍 Dire Dawa – The Trade Hub
- Kafira Market – A colorful market selling spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
- Dire Dawa Railway Station – A historic railway station built during the French colonial period.
- Awaday Khat Market – The largest khat (stimulant leaf) market in Ethiopia.
- The Old Town (Kezira Area) – Explore the mix of colonial and Ethiopian architecture.
📍 Somali Region – Culture & Wildlife
- Jijiga City – The capital of the Somali region, known for Somali culture and food.
- Babille Elephant Sanctuary – Home to one of the few elephant populations in Ethiopia.
- Valley of Marvels (Dakhata Rock Formations) – A stunning rock valley with unique landscapes.
📍 Bale Mountains National Park (Optional Adventure Trip)
- Sanetti Plateau – Spot the rare Ethiopian wolf, the world’s most endangered canid.
- Harenna Forest – A lush forest home to wildlife, coffee farms, and waterfalls.
- Tulu Dimtu (4,377m) – The second-highest mountain in Ethiopia, great for trekking.