Ethiopian Christmas & Genna
Christmas, or "Genna," falls on January 7th in Ethiopia. The focal point of this tour is the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebration held in Lalibela at Bete Mariam Church.
USD 2405
View TourHighlights
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Centuries-old mosques within the walled old town
Nightly hyena feeding — a centuries-old local tradition
Maze-like alleyways unlike anywhere else in Ethiopia
Distinctive Harari architecture and crafts
Living heritage
What makes Harar unique
Harar feels unlike anywhere else in Ethiopia, a walled old town of narrow, maze-like alleyways that have changed little in centuries. Inside the walls, more than 80 mosques pack into a remarkably small area, alongside distinctive Harari houses decorated with traditional basketwork and crafts found nowhere else in the country. Just outside the city walls, a tradition generations old continues each night — locals hand-feeding wild hyenas, drawing curious visitors from around the world to witness it firsthand. Few destinations in Ethiopia combine this density of living tradition within such a compact, walkable space.
Good to know
Best time to visit
Peak season: Oct–Jan — dry season
Shoulder season: Feb–Sep
Tours that visit Harar
Choose your experience
Timket and Africa’s Hidden Gem
The Timket (Epiphany) festival held in Gondar is the high point of this tour — commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ at the Fasiledes Bath, following the full northern historic circuit.
USD 2735
View Tour15-Day Ethiopia Tour: Lalibela, Bale Mountains & Omo Valley
This is the only Absolute Ethiopia itinerary that combines the northern historic route with the Bale Mountains — home to the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf — before continuing into the Omo Valley's tribal communities. A genuine combination of Ethiopia's sacred architecture, rarest wildlife, and most distinctive cultures.
Price on Request
View TourBefore you go
Practical information
- Getting there: Flight or road connection from Addis Ababa, often paired with Awash National Park.
- Entrance: Old town and hyena feeding experience fees included in tour pricing.
- Good to know: The old town is best explored on foot — comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- Read the full Harar travel guide →
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Harar?
Harar connects by flight or road from Addis Ababa, often combined with Awash National Park.
Is the hyena feeding safe to watch?
Yes — it's conducted by experienced local feeders, and visitors watch from a safe distance under guide supervision.
How many days do I need in Harar?
One full day covers the old town and hyena feeding experience comfortably.
Is Harar walkable?
Yes — the old town is compact and best explored on foot, though comfortable shoes are recommended for the uneven alleyways.
What's the best time to visit?
October to January offers the most comfortable weather for exploring on foot.
Is Harar safe to visit?
Harar is one of the destinations we operate in regularly, and our team monitors conditions continuously.
From our blog
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