8-Day Harar, Awash & Bale Mountain Safari Trip

Overview

Harar: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Harar is an ancient city known for its rich Islamic heritage, 37 mosques, 82 shrines, and vibrant markets. Awash National Park, located in eastern Ethiopia, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique features, including waterfalls and hot springs. Bale Mountains: Located in southern Ethiopia, the Bale Mountains are known for their alpine beauty, unique wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf, and stunning hikes through plateaus and forests.International flights(From/to home)

Highlights

  • Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You’ll be collected from the airport.

  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

You’ll arrive in Addis Ababa, where you’ll be welcomed by your guide. After a brief rest at your hotel, you’ll embark on a city tour to explore the National Museum, home to the famous fossil Lucy, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Entoto. Your overnight stay will be in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation: Da’amat Hotel, Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2: Addis Ababa Fly Diredawa Drive to Harar

You’ll fly from Addis Ababa to Harar (approximately 1 hour). You’ll arrive in Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage

Today, you’ll explore the historical sites of Harar. You’ll visit the Harar Jugol, the old city, and explore its 37 mosques, 82 shrines, and vibrant markets. You’ll visit the Harar Hyena Man, where you’ll witness the traditional feeding of wild hyenas. You’ll learn about the unique culture and history of one of the most important centers of Islam in Africa. Your overnight stay will be in Harar.

Main Destination: Harar (Town)

Accommodation: Wonderland Hotel, Mid-range hotel located in Harar (Town)

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3: Harar to Awash National Park

After breakfast, you will drive to Awash National Park (approximately 6-7 hours). Known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, Awash is home to various species such as warthogs, antelopes, buffaloes, and over 400 bird species. You’ll visit the park’s beautiful waterfalls and hot springs and enjoy a game drive to spot wildlife. Your overnight stay will be in Awash.

Main Destination: Awash National Park

Best Time To Visit: October to February (Little rain and less hot)

High Season: September to April (The park is never busy)

Best Weather: October to February

Accommodation: Genet Hotel Awash, Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4: Awash National Park Exploration

You’ll spend the day exploring Awash National Park. You’ll go on morning and afternoon game drives, where you may spot giraffes, monkeys, zebras, and other animals in their natural habitat. You’ll visit the Awash River Gorge and take a relaxing walk to the hot springs. You’ll return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Main Destination: Awash National Park

Accommodation: Genet Hotel Awash, Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5: Awash to Bale Mountains

After breakfast, you will embark on the scenic drive to the Bale Mountains (approximately 7-8 hours), known for their breathtaking landscapes and high-altitude ecosystems. You’ll arrive at the Bale Mountains National Park and check into your lodge. You’ll spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the alpine scenery. Your overnight stay will be in Bale Mountains.

Main Destination:Bale Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit: November to February (Little rain)

High Season: October to January (Park is never busy)

Best Weather: November to February

Accommodation: Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6: Bale Mountains National Park Exploration

You’ll spend the day exploring Bale Mountains National Park, home to unique wildlife such as the Bale monkey, Ethiopian wolf, and mountain nyala. Hike through the Sanetti Plateau and enjoy the stunning alpine meadows and rugged terrain. You’ll discover the park’s rich flora and fauna, with opportunities for bird-watching and photography. Your overnight stay in Bale Mountains.

Main Destination: Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation: Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7: Explore the Harenna Forest & Return to Bale Mountains

Today, you’ll take a guided excursion to Harenna Forest, one of the largest forests in Ethiopia. You’ll explore this lush, mist-covered forest, home to diverse wildlife, including baboons and various bird species. Afterward, you will return to the Bale Mountains and relax at your lodge. Your overnight stay will be in Bale Mountains.

Main Destination: Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation: Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8: Goba Robe Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, you will drive back to Robe and fly to Addis Ababa. You’ll have a farewell dinner and get ready for your departure.

Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks: Meals at own expense, Drinks not included

Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.

You’ll be dropped off at the airport.

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)

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