8 Days Eastern Ethiopia Tours: Harar, Bale Mountains & Rift Valley Lakes
Tour Highlights
- City tour of Addis Ababa, visiting the National Museum (Lucy) and the African Union.
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the East African Rift Valley.
- Witness the unique spectacle of the Harar Hyena Man feeding hyenas at night.
- Explore the ancient walled city of Harar (UNESCO), the 4th holiest city in Islam.
- Visit historical sites in Harar, including the Rimbaud House and the Grand Mosque.
- Stop at Lega Oda to see prehistoric rock paintings dating back to 700 BC.
- Birdwatching opportunity at Lake Ziway, a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley.
- Trek and explore the vast Bale Mountains National Park, Africa’s largest high moorland area.
- Search for the endemic Mountain Nyala and the highly sought-after Ethiopian Wolf.
- Enjoy awe-inspiring views, high peaks, and rich Afro-alpine landscapes in Bale.
- Visit Lake Awassa and its vibrant Fish Market on the drive back to Addis Ababa.
- Conclude the tour with a memorable farewell dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian music and dance.
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Welcome to Addis Ababa! Take a city tour that includes the National Museum (home of “Lucy”), the Ethnographic Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, and a visit to Entoto Mountain. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Harar
A scenic drive takes you through the East African Rift Valley. Pass through coffee and chat (khat) plantations as you ascend toward the mountains. In the evening, witness a live hyena feeding. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Visit Harar
Explore the old walled town of Harar (Jugol). Visit the Harari Museum, the Rimbaud House, the 16th-century Grand Mosque, and the Shoa Gate Market. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4: Drive to Langano
Drive towards Dire Dawa, stopping at Lega Oda to see prehistoric paintings (c. 700 BC). Visit the large Kefira Market in Dire Dawa. Fly from Dire Dawa back to Addis Ababa, then drive south to Langano. Stop at Lake Ziway for excellent birdwatching. Overnight in hotel or lodge.
Day 5: Drive to Bale Mountains NP
Enjoy a scenic drive with numerous photo stops as you head toward Bale Mountains National Park. The scenery becomes spectacular, featuring magnificent forests, deep valleys, and high peaks. Overnight in a lodge or camping in a tent.
Day 6: Bale Mountains NP Exploration
Spend a full day exploring the park. The Bale Mountains contain the largest tract of high moorland in Africa and were set aside to protect endemic species like the Mountain Nyala. Look for the Ethiopian Wolf, a star attraction, which is regularly sighted here. Overnight in a lodge or camping in a tent.
Day 7: Bale Mountains NP
Enjoy awe-inspiring views and the clean air on the high plateau. Discover this rich landscape, watching for endemic mammals and mighty birds of prey. Overnight in a lodge or camping in a tent.
Day 8: Drive Back to Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping at Lake Awassa, a beautiful freshwater lake known for its endemic aquatic birds. Visit the lakeside Fish Market. Continue to the Senkelle Wildlife Sanctuary before resuming the journey to Addis. In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant with music and dance. End of the tour.
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