If you use Ethopian Airlines to fly from Europe to Addis Ababa (that’s what I did) they offer 50% discount on domestic flights. Sounds like 63 USD per segment – I think It is a good deal! I was flying Awassa – Addis – Dire Dawa. Then It wasn’t’ far to historic Harar – 1,5h- 35 birr by crowded minibus from the city bus station in DD.
Years ago I have been to historic Timbuktu/Mali, where first European was only in the middle of 19th century. Harar in eastern Ethiopia, the target of traders and caravans remained also like enigma till mid- 19th century, when Richard Burton in the clothes of Arab trader saw it for the first time.
Today historic Harar, surrounded by city walls with gates is placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The old part of the city is like the labyrinth of the 300+ narrow alleys. Many of 82 mosques remained with its little minarets. Some of the houses and walls are painted in pastel colours. It is nice. But you will see here a lot of powerty: garbage around, homeless people sleeping day and night just on the ground. Caravans of donkeys are bringing firewood used in the kitchens. No single tourist except me. Different, very authentic world!
