From Addis Ababa to Harar: A Practical Travel Guide for Budget Explore

1. Getting from Addis Ababa to Harar? Let’s break down the transport options first. Buses are your direct ticket—they go straight to Harar, no detours. Planes and trains, though? They only get you as far as Dire Dawa, so you’ll need extra transfers if you pick those. The bus is the workhorse here: it’s a 13-hour journey, but they stop for 30 minutes midway so you can grab a meal. Mine left at 4 a.m., and the departure point was Lamberet Menaharia—easy to find with a quick local ask. 🚌🌙🍲 2. Buying tickets? Head to the spot right across the road from the departure point. I paid 1,550 Birr for mine, but here’s the catch: each bus line has its own ticket booth, so prices and vehicle conditions vary. If one booth says they’re sold out, just hop to the next—there’s always another option. A Kenyan girl at my hostel mentioned she’d paid 1,800 Birr for a 3 a.m. departure, but I never tracked down her booth. Moral of the story: shop around a little! 💸🎫🔍 3. Accommodation in Harar? I stayed at Belayneh Hotel, which cost 700 Birr a night—decent for the area. Just watch the checkout time: it’s 10 a.m. sharp. I overslept, and they tried to charge me 350 Birr for a half-day extra. A bit of friendly haggling got it down to 200 Birr, though—so don’t be afraid to negotiate gently! The rooms were basic but clean, and the location’s great—close to the old town. 🏨⏰😅 4. Eating out? Adot Juice became my go-to spot. Their “Adot Special” salad is a must—huge portions, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing that hits the spot. Pro tip: Grab drinks wisely. Inside the old town, a Coke costs 70 Birr; just outside, it’s 60 Birr—small saving, but adds up! Locals often offer you a taste of their local herbs, too—try a little, it’s part of the experience. 🥗🥤🌿 5. Exploring the old town? No need for a guide—just wander! The maze of narrow alleys, colorful houses, and tiny shops feels like stepping back in time. Want to feed hyenas? Ask locals for “hyena feeding”—it’s near the old town walls. You can also search “Hyena Feeding Site” on maps, or pay a guide a few Birr to lead you. Watching the hyenas take food from the handler’s hand? Wild, but unforgettable. 🏰🦮✨ 6. Heading back to Addis Ababa? I took the train, though the timetable was a bit confusing. First, I hopped on a minibus to Dire Dawa—2 hours, and locals said it should be 150–300 Birr. I paid 300 Birr, probably because my big backpack took up a seat—fair enough. The train, built by Chinese engineers, costs 1,520 Birr, departs at 7:30 a.m., and takes about 10 hours. Note: Dire Dawa’s train station is far from the center— (tuk-tuk) rides cost 200–300 Birr. Locals warned me: if drivers quote 500 Birr or more, you’re being overcharged—haggle! 🚐🚞💬 #EthiopiaTravel #HararGuide #BudgetAfricaTrips #DireDawaTransit #HyenaFeedingAdventures