Harar
The Walled City

Harar is a city of mosques, minarets, colorful markets and a center of Muslim learning.

Situated on a high escarpment overlooking surrounding plains, which extends as far as the eye can reach; the city enjoys a balmy climate and a fascinating history.

Harar in the old days could be reached only by a long caravan or mule journey of many days, weeks or months. Today, however, the city is little more than an hour’s drive from Dire Dawa, a modern Ethiopian railway town, with an international airport and several hotels.

Harar, which is not too large to be visited on foot, is a place of unique and unforgettable charm and has much to offer the tourist.

Walking down its narrow, cobble stoned and twisting lanes, one can easily feel transported back in time to the days of Richard Burton - or even earlier when Amir Nur was constructing the cities stout old walls.