Harar

Introducing Harar

Harar is a place apart. Located south of the Chercher Mountains, this sensational city will blast your senses. The old walled city, with 368 alleyways squeezed into just 1 sq km, 87 mosques and shrines, coffee scents wafting through the streets, animated markets, superb architecture, charming people and unique ambience, will make you feel like you’re floating through another time and space. As if that’s not enough, an otherworldly ritual takes place nightly outside the walls: men feeding hyenas. Don’t be confused: it’s not a touristy show, it’s a tradition.

A bit like Zanzibar, Harar appeals to spiri­tual seekers and hedonists. Despite shortcomings (read: poverty and minor hassles), you’ll fall in love with this gem of a city – at least we did.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009