8 Days Cultural Tour to Harar and Awash

In the early morning, meet up at convenient point in Addis Ababa and depart to Wanchi Crater Lake via the town of Ambo town (144 km asphalt road), situated in the western side of the capital. Up on arrival at Wanchi, begin your hiking or horseback riding on the hillside of the crater through the natural forest with a beautiful scenery. Inside the forest, you will observe different tree species, alpine vegetation, aquatic and terrestrial bird species, and mammals. Then, descend down to the natural hot-spring. Soak in the natural mud-pool and take bath in hot-spring for a relaxation and rejuvenation. Picnic lunch (goat steak bites, rice with cooked vegetable, and fruits) will be served at the green fields near to the hot-spring. Afternoon, continue hiking or horseback riding to the villages through the beautiful grassland water streams. You will have a short break to visit one of households in on of the villages to observe their daily lifestyle. Continue hiking to the shore of the lake and take in views of the lake shore from a peaceful dock. Then, our boat will pick you up to cross the lake. On the way, if time allows, stop over at the island of the lake and visit the monastery of Cherkos. Then meet our vehicle and drive back to Addis Ababa.

Morning, flight to Dire Dawa. Visit Chemendefer, the oldest Train Station and Kafira colorful market. Afternoon, drive to the historic Islamic holy city of Harar. In the evening visit the Hyena Man show at night. Overnight in hotel/guest house.

This day, you will have a full day visit of fortified city of Harar. Harar is the Holy City of Ethiopia's Muslim community, is believed to be the fourth-holiest city after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. The old City Wall of Harar is the main attraction and symbol of Islamic architecture. Harar has approximately 90 mosques, which form the largest concentration of mosques in the world. Visit Jegol Wall, Arthur Rimboud Museum. Visit Jamia Mosque. Lunch break. Afternoon, visit Emir Nurs Tomb, Traditional Harari Home. Overnight in hotel/guest house.

In the morning, excursion to visit Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Dakata rock valley with wonderful balancing rock as well as lower hoodoos. On the way back, visit Koremi Village, one of the fascinating Argobba Villages.Overnight in hotel/guest house.

In the morning, drive to Awash Awash National Park (214 km). The park covers an area of 756 square kilometres, comprised mainly of acacia and grassland, but with an interesting range of volcanic landscapes. In the open areas and grass plains you should see grazing zebra alongside Beisa oryx, kudu, Soemmerring's gazelle and Swayne’s hartebeest. Olive and hamadryas baboons, as well as colobus and grivet monkeys, can be seen near the river, and the tiny dik-dik is often well camouflaged in the shade of the acacia thorn. Cats such as cheetah, serval, and leopard are also present (although less easy to spot) and lion, black-backed and golden jackals, and caracals can occasionally be seen. Over 400 species of bird have been recorded in Awash, ranging from the great ostrich, frequently seen, to the less common secretary bird and the Abyssinian ground hornbill. Vivid flashes of colour come from the carmine bee-eaters and the Abyssinian roller. And many more types of species occur - from birds of prey to birds of the forest and those occupying the savannah. Drive and hike through series of well-maintained tracks traverse the park, taking in the many scenic attractions. Overnight in Awash Falls Lodge.

In the morning, continue exploring Awash National Park.  Afternoon, 40 km drive to north for another fantastic game drive to the nearby Allideghe Wildlife Reserve; covers in the main grasslands, wooded rises and mountains.  The reserve is a home to wild animals such as; lion, cheetah, Somali wild ass, Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, spotted hyena, Northern gerenuk and Grevy’s zebra. Overnight in Doho Lodge

Morning, natural hot-spring family and private bathing at the exciting outdoor hot-tubs and pools in the lodge with beautiful view of doum palm forest and typha reed. Afternoon, drive to Addis Ababa and transfer to your destination. End of the trip.