The former capital of Harla Kingdom was a 13th-century walled city that excavations have shown did much trade with the Middle East. A few minor remnants of its glory days are still around, but don't hold your breath. It’s 15km out of Dire Dawa. Catch a minibus (Birr11, 20 minutes) from in front of the NOC petrol station instead of the bus station.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.87 MILES
With its superb architecture and dramatic setting, the clifftop village of Koremi, 19km southeast of Harar above the Erer Valley, is a definite must-see…
16.46 MILES
Harar’s old walled town (known as Jugal) is a fascinating place that begs exploration. The thick, 5m-high walls running 3.5km around town were erected in…
16.33 MILES
Located north of Fallana Gate, this is one of Harar's two hyena feeding stations. A highlight of any visit to Harar, this impressive spectacle begins…
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16.88 MILES
One of Harar's two infamous hyena feeding sites, it is located about 1.5km east of Erer Gate (near the garbage dump). This site is usually more productive…
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16.55 MILES
Near the middle of the walled city, and often mistakenly called Rimbaud’s House, is this museum dedicated to French poet Arthur Rimbaud with a series of…
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Ras Tafari's House & Sherif Harar City Museum
16.52 MILES
Close to Rimbaud’s House, the conspicuous Ras Tafari’s House was built by an Indian trader and many of its features, such as the Ganesh carving above the…
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16.8 MILES
The tomb of Sheikh Abadir, Harar’s legendary founder and second emir, is an important pilgrimage site. His tomb still attracts worshippers seeking…
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10.11 MILES
With its Babel-like ambience, the enormous Kafira Market, sprawling way beyond its Moorish-style arches, is the most striking of Dire Dawa's markets…
Nearby Eastern Ethiopia attractions
10.11 MILES
With its Babel-like ambience, the enormous Kafira Market, sprawling way beyond its Moorish-style arches, is the most striking of Dire Dawa's markets…
10.3 MILES
Juma'a Mosque is the city's largest mosque and a prominent landmark in the Megala neighbourhood.
10.3 MILES
Chat is sold all over town, but the trade at the Chattara Market is so frenetic it deserves a look.
10.55 MILES
Also known as ‘Taiwan’, this is a modern, orderly covered market mostly full of clothing and fabric, though some of the cheap electronic goods that used…
10.62 MILES
This colourful church, which lies near the Old Palace, is noted for its octagonal shape.
10.64 MILES
This large building is the former imperial residence of Haile Selassie. It's not open to the public and difficult to see from outside.
10.74 MILES
This modern, well-proportioned church is most notable for its two spires and yellow facade.
8. Ethiopia-Djibouti Rail Yard
10.86 MILES
Rail fans can clamber through what remains of the once-great Imperial Railway Company of Ethiopia. Ask for Kadra Ali – she can get by in English and will…