- 9 Days
- Addis Ababa | Dire Dawa | Harar | Awash | Adama | Dinshu
“Ethiopia's culture is reflected in its ancient architecture, traditions, and breathtaking landscapes.“
Tour Highlights
National Parks
Dodo Springs
Hyena Feeding
Ethiopian Wildlife
Mountain Walks
Farewell Dinner
about this tour
about this tour
This journey through Ethiopia offers a blend of cultural traditions, striking landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters. Discover ancient architecture, lively markets, and time-honored customs in cities that reflect the country’s heritage. Travel through vast plateaus, towering mountains, and dense forests, where rare wildlife thrives. Natural springs and scenic viewpoints provide moments of relaxation, while guided hikes and wildlife spotting add a sense of adventure. The itinerary balances urban and natural settings, offering insight into both Ethiopia’s people and environment. Walk through historic streets, visit religious landmarks, and experience daily life in traditional communities. In remote regions, encounter dramatic landscapes, from rugged highlands to sweeping grasslands, each home to diverse wildlife. Visits to national parks such as Awash and Bale Mountains provide opportunities to see animals like the Ethiopian wolf, Menelik’s bushbuck, and mountain nyala. The high-altitude Sanetti Plateau and the lush Harenna Forest showcase Ethiopia’s ecological diversity, while Awash Falls highlights its dramatic terrain. Stops at traditional markets, local dining experiences, and breathtaking viewpoints further enrich the journey. With a mix of culture, nature, and adventure, this trip offers a deeper look into Ethiopia’s landscapes, traditions, and wildlife.
AUTHENTIC HYENA-FEEDING EXPERIENCE One of the more unusual yet exciting moments of the trip takes place just outside the walls of Harar, where locals have developed a long-standing relationship with the wild hyenas that live nearby. As evening falls, a local man calls the animals by name, offering food by hand—or even from a stick held in his mouth. It’s a rare chance to observe this unique tradition up close, and for those who feel adventurous, to take part in feeding these cautious but curious creatures under the quiet night sky.
1
Arrival in EthiopiaUpon arrival in Addis, our representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, where you’ll discover the country's ancient history and learn about Lucy, the earliest known human ancestor. Next, head to the Ethnological Museum, housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace and surrounded by the scenic gardens and fountains of Addis Ababa University. Even if museums aren’t typically your thing, this one is worth a visit—it’s widely regarded as one of the best in Africa. Before lunch, stop by the Holy Trinity Cathedral, known for its distinct architectural style. After a leisurely lunch, drive up to the Entoto Mountains, offering the best panoramic views of the city. This historical site was once home to Menelik II, who built his palace here. It is also home to several important churches, including Saint Mary’s Church. On the way back, pass through Piazza and visit St. George’s Church before returning to your hotel.
overnight
Upon arrival in Addis, our representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the National Museum…2
Explore Dire DawaTaking a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, you will spend the day exploring this culturally rich city. Often referred to as a mosaic of traditions, Dire Dawa showcases influences from across Ethiopia, as well as French, Bulgarian, Greek, Armenian, and Indian heritage, reflected in its diverse architectural styles. The day begins with a visit to Kefira Market, the largest in Dire Dawa, offering a lively atmosphere and a chance to experience local traditions while browsing for souvenirs. Next, explore the Old Railway Station, an early 1900s structure that stands as a striking example of colonial-era design. In the afternoon, visit the Chat Market, where this widely used stimulant is bought and sold, providing insight into an important aspect of local life. Later, take a walk through Kezira Canyon, a scenic spot just outside the city with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The day concludes with a traditional Ethiopian meal at a local restaurant, offering a taste of the region’s flavors.
overnight
Taking a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, you will spend the day exploring this culturally rich city. Often referred to as a mosaic of traditions, Dire Dawa…3
Discover HararTake a city tour of a traditional Harari house inside the Jugol wall, along with visits to the Catholic church and the city museum. The Harar Gate, though a more recent addition, serves as the main entrance to the city's historic center. Harar Jugol is home to 82 mosques—three dating back to the 10th century—along with 102 shrines and a mix of traditional, Indian, and blended architectural styles. These distinctive townhouses, with their unique interior designs, are an important part of Harar's cultural heritage. In the evening, experience the tradition of hyena feeding, where locals offer food to wild hyenas just outside the city.
overnight
Take a city tour of a traditional Harari house inside the Jugol wall, along with visits to the Catholic church and the city museum. The Harar Gate, though a more…4
Transfer to AwashUpon leaving Harar in the morning, you will set out on a scenic drive to Awash. Once you have arrived, you will check into your accommodations before heading to Dodo Springs, a natural oasis known for its clear, refreshing waters. Here, you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the area. The springs provide a perfect spot to rest and recharge before continuing your journey through this unique region.
overnight
Upon leaving Harar in the morning, you will set out on a scenic drive to Awash. Once you have arrived, you will check into your accommodations before heading to Dodo…5
Awash National ParkThe day will be spent exploring Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most renowned wildlife reserves. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the African Swallow-tailed Kite and several types of bustards such as the Arabian and Buff-crested. Among the mammals found here are the Golden Jackal, Caracal (though rarely seen), Spotted Hyena in the hyena cave, Beisa Oryx, and Soemmerring's Gazelle. A visit to Awash Falls offers the chance to observe crocodiles in significant numbers as they bask along the riverbanks.
overnight
The day will be spent exploring Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most renowned wildlife reserves. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the African…6
Awash to AdamaSpend some leisurely time at the spring waters of Dodo Lodge before setting off for Adama, where you will stay overnight. Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop for photography, capturing the scenic landscapes along the route.
overnight
Spend some leisurely time at the spring waters of Dodo Lodge before setting off for Adama, where you will stay overnight. Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop…7
Drive to Dinshu, Bale MountainsIn the morning, drive to Dinsho, the gateway to the Bale Mountains, which rise to approximately 4,500 meters (over 14,000 feet). Upon arrival, meet your guides and continue to the Gaysey Grasslands. Spend the afternoon on a relaxed hike, with the chance to spot two endemic mammals often seen in the area—Menelik's Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. If staying at the lodge, continue driving for a few more hours.
overnight
In the morning, drive to Dinsho, the gateway to the Bale Mountains, which rise to approximately 4,500 meters (over 14,000 feet). Upon arrival, meet your guides and continue to the…8
The Harenna Forest and Sanetti PlateauTo the south of the park, a dramatic 1,200-meter (3,700-foot) escarpment drops into the Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia’s largest and most intact woodlands. The steep descent from the tree line at 3,200 meters to around 2,000 meters over just 8 kilometers creates a dramatic transition in landscape, habitat, and wildlife. After breakfast, drive to the Sanetti Plateau, which rises to 4,000 meters and features Afro-alpine moorland with sweeping high-altitude scenery. Further along, stands of Hypericum trees provide habitat for the endemic griseiventris subspecies of Brown Parisoma. In the surrounding moorland and dense shrubbery, you may spot Chestnut-naped Francolins, Cinnamon Bracken Warblers, and Ethiopian Cisticolas. Continuing the journey, travel along Africa’s highest road, passing near the summit of Ethiopia’s second-highest mountain.
overnight
To the south of the park, a dramatic 1,200-meter (3,700-foot) escarpment drops into the Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia’s largest and most intact woodlands. The steep descent from the tree…9
Departure DayThe return journey to Addis Ababa begins early in the morning, passing through the impressive Mbale Mountain, Dinsho, and the Arsi Mountains. Upon arrival in the city, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa’s top traditional restaurants. The tour concludes with a drop-off at Bole International Airport.
overnight
The return journey to Addis Ababa begins early in the morning, passing through the impressive Mbale Mountain, Dinsho, and the Arsi Mountains. Upon arrival in the city, enjoy a farewell…
Why Book With Us?
Our in-country expert
Recommended tours in Ethiopia
How We Work
EXPLORE THIS JOURNEY
Book this trip with your choice of hotels and the option to add extra nights at the start or end of your trip.
CUSTOMIZE THIS JOURNEY
Create your dream trip with the assistance of Finest Journeys expert travel consultants.
CRAFT MY OWN JOURNEY
Build your own dream trip with our easy to use trip planning tools
The choice is yours and the Finest Journeys team are always here to help and our concierges and in-country teams will look after you throughout your journey from booking until return.
How We Work
1-Enquire
Fill out our form or give us a call on 1-800-227-1393 to tell us more about your trip.
2-Talk With Us
An expert will get in touch the following day to help you curate your bespoke tour itinerary.
3-Trip Creation
We'll take care of every detail to bring your dream trip to life.
4-Confirmation
You will receive an email from our team confirming all of the important details about your trip.
5-Travel With Ease
Our concierges and in-country teams will look after you throughout your journey from booking until return.