Harar is a holy city of colorful walls, narrow alleys, and a surreal nightly ritual with wild hyenas. It is unlike anywhere else in Ethiopia, and it gripped me completely.

Let me share the best things to do in Harar with practical planning advice.

Overview

Harar sits on a plateau in eastern Ethiopia and is one of the holiest cities in the Islamic world. Its fortified old town, the Jugol, is a UNESCO treasure.

I found a maze of alleys, bright houses, and markets humming with life. It felt intimate, ancient, and utterly unique.

When to Go

October through March is my favorite time to visit Harar, with dry skies and mild days. I explored the old town comfortably.

The highland air stays cool year round, which I found refreshing after lower ground. Evenings can turn pleasantly crisp. The months of June to August bring some rain.

I would pack a light layer and a small umbrella for this period.

Top Things to See and Do

Wander the ancient Jugol, the walled old city with over eighty shrines and mosques. I lost myself in its colorful lanes for hours.

Watch the hyena men feed wild hyenas at dusk, a tradition that stunned me. A local fed them scraps right from his hands.

Climb the city walls and viewpoints for sweeping views over the rooftops. I watched the sun paint the town in shades of gold.

Explore the markets and workshops of basket weavers and craftsmen. I bought handmade goods that I treasure at home.

The morning call to prayer drifting over the rooftops was my favorite wake up call. I would rise early and watch the city stir to life.

Where to Stay

Guesthouses inside or near the old city offer the most atmospheric stays. I slept within the Jugol’s walls and loved the sounds. A few traditional houses have been converted for travelers.

I found my room simple, clean, and full of character. For more comfort I would stay in the newer part of town and walk into the old city each day.

Both work well. Arrange your arrival bus well in advance, as seats fill quickly. I booked early and rode into town without any stress.

Getting Around

Walking is the only real way to see the old city, and that is its charm. I explored every lane on foot.

Tuk tuks connect the old town to the outer districts and the bus station. I used them for short, cheap hops.

Getting to Harar is a journey via Dire Dawa and ground transport. I booked my bus and allowed a full day for the trip.

I also loved the spicy, tangy stews served with fresh flatbread. They warmed me on the cool highland evenings beautifully.

Food to Try

I loved the local crepes called ambasha and the honey spiced breads. They are perfect with sweet coffee.

Harar is famous for coffee, so I drank it everywhere, roasted and brewed in the traditional ceremony. It was exceptional. The markets sell fresh fruit and spicy stews.

I ate hearty local dishes and flavorful vegetables throughout my stay.

Daily Budget

Harar is very affordable for travelers. I managed on about thirty dollars a day with a simple guesthouse and street food.

Museums, the walls, and the hyena feeding are all very cheap, which kept my costs wonderfully low.

A more comfortable stay and guided walks would still keep me under fifty dollars daily. It is one of Ethiopia’s best values.

Safety Tips

Harar is generally peaceful and welcoming. I kept my valuables secure and everything worked out without issue. The hyena feeding is safe but intense, so I followed the handler’s instructions exactly.

I kept a respectful distance. At night I stuck to the main lantern-lit lanes of the old city. The alleys charm by day but deserve caution after dark.

Try to time your visit for market day when the lanes fill with goods. The lively energy made my shopping trip far more fun.

Local Tips

Go hyena watching as a small group or with a trusted local fixer. I booked through my guesthouse and felt entirely safe.

Carry small bills for the markets and craftsmen, who often cannot take change. I kept a full wallet of small notes. Learn a few phrases of Amharic and Harari greetings.

My attempts earned smiles and opened doors everywhere.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day one I arrived and wandered the Jugol, ending at a rooftop viewpoint for sunset. Day two I explored the shrines and markets by day, then watched the hyenas feed at dusk.

Day three I visited the museum and the city walls before a slow coffee ceremony to close my time.

With extra days I would venture into the surrounding villages and the nearby mountain viewpoints. Forgetting that Harar sits high means nights can chill you.

I packed a warm layer and slept comfortably every night.

Common Mistakes

Rushing through the old city in an hour is a mistake. I gave the Jugol a full day and still wanted more.

Skipping the hyena feeding means missing Harar’s most famous ritual. I consider it essential to any visit. Wearing unsuitable shoes on the cobbled lanes causes plenty of stumbles.

I wore sturdy flat shoes and walked easily.