Lupine Travel

Take a visit with us to a country that doesn’t officially exist; Somaliland, and a country that has long struggled to shake off its media image of poverty and famine; Ethiopia.

Itinerary

Day One, Nov 8 2027
Arrive in Addis Ababa

• Arrive in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. Our driver will transfer you to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure.

• For those taking our Danakil extension trip, the group will arrive from Semera in the evening and be transferred to the hotel.
Day Two, Nov 9 2027
Tour of Addis Ababa

• Full-day tour of Addis Ababa. In the morning, we will visit the National Museum to view many other historical relics, including Lucy, the world’s oldest humanoid skeleton, dating back over 3 million years. Afterwards, we head to St George’s Cathedral before stopping for lunch and sampling some Ethiopian coffee—arguably the best in the world!

• Move on to Holy Trinity Cathedral after lunch to see the tomb of Hailie Selassie before going to the Red Terror Martyrs Museum, a place to hear accounts of the torture and killing carried out by the Derg, the military junta during the late 1970s.

• Evening at leisure.
Day Three, Nov 10 2027
Dire Dawa

• This morning, take a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, Ethiopia’s historic railway city.

• In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Dire Dawa Railway Museum, a great site which is still partly in use. The station was built over 100 years ago and has barely changed; most of the original French-built machinery is still functional.

• Visit the khat, camel and spice markets. Watch the locals sit in the sun, chewing their khat without a care, and take in the overpowering smells of dried chilli being crushed into a powder.

• Evening at leisure.
Day Four, Nov 11 2027
Dire Dawa Tour

• After breakfast, depart for the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Harar; one of Africa’s oldest and most significant Islamic cities.

• Upon arrival, begin exploring Harar’s atmospheric old town, wandering through its maze of narrow alleyways, colourful markets and centuries-old neighbourhoods while learning about its remarkable history and culture.

• As evening falls, experience Harar’s world-famous Hyena Feeding Ceremony, where local “Hyena Men” continue the centuries-old tradition of feeding wild spotted hyenas by hand—one of Ethiopia’s most unique and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Day Five, Nov 12 2027
Harar City

• Today is dedicated to discovering the historic treasures of Harar. Visit many of the city’s most important landmarks, including the ancient Jugol Wall and city gates, the Tomb of Sheikh Abadir, the Arthur Rimbaud Centre, Ras Tafari’s House, Ras Makonnen’s Palace, and the beautiful Jamia Mosque.

• Along the way, experience Harar’s colourful markets, traditionally dressed local women, coffee being processed, bustling khat markets, and the famous butcher’s quarter where wild eagles circle overhead.

• Evening at leisure, or join an optional sunset walk along the ancient city walls.
Day Six, Nov 13 2027
Journey to Hargeisa

• Off to the unofficial country of Somaliland we go! We’ll take a three-hour journey to the Togwajale border, pass border control, then drive a further two hours to the capital, Hargeisa.

• Time permitting, we’ll take a walking tour of the city centre, where we will see moneychangers with their piles of Somaliland shillings, the Hargeisa war memorial (MiG Jet Monument) and livestock market.
Day Seven, Nov 14 2027
Laas Geel Cave Paintings

• After breakfast, we’ll journey to see the Laas Geel cave paintings – ancient art created between 9000 BC and 3000 BC. They are some of the best-preserved cave paintings in the world and were only discovered by the Western world as recently as 2002 by a French archaeological team.

• We’ll then continue to the coastal city of Berbera, where we’ll have free time to relax on the beach.
Day Eight, Nov 15 2027
Berbera and Sheikh

• In the morning, we will have a walking tour of the city, seeing the historic old town and the Ottoman and colonial-era architecture.

• Next, we’ll journey into the picturesque Sheikh Mountains, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings.

• We’ll have a short stop at the former British colonial station of Sheikh town before continuing on the road back to Hargeisa.
Day Nine, Nov 16 2027
Cheetah Conservation Centre

• We’ll start the day with a visit to the Cheetah Conservation Centre, where rescued cheetahs are rehabilitated. We’ll learn about wildlife conservation efforts and have the opportunity to observe the cheetahs.

• Next, we’ll head to Dhagax Khoure (Camel Rock), home to more famous rock art. We’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes as we explore the area.

• We’ll pass through small semi-nomadic communities and villages to see everyday life, before returning to the capital for our final night of the tour.
Day Ten, Nov 17 2027
Tour Ends

• We’ll transfer to the airport for our onward journeys.

Extra info

Please note:

*The wild hyenas that roam Harar have been fed by a local family for over 60 years. For a payment of 100 Birr (£3) , you can feed the hyenas along with the ‘Hyena Man’ who will entice them onto your back or to feed from your mouth! However, although there have been no incidents with feeding these hyenas, you must be aware that they are wild animals and potentially dangerous so if you wish to join in with the feeding you do it entirely at your own risk!

Somaliland & Ethiopia Tour
Tour Price: £1545
Deposit: £300
Single room supplement: £150

Tour Price: £1545
Talk to a travel rep
info@lupinetravel.co.uk

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