Getting around
The old town (Jugol) is small and best explored on foot. The lanes are narrow and often steep or uneven, so wear comfortable shoes. Three-wheeled taxis (bajaj) are the usual way to reach the gates from outside the walls.
Good to know
Practical information for your visit
A few things that make a first visit to Harar easier.
-
-
Money
Prices on this site are in Ethiopian birr (ETB). Carry some cash: small guesthouses, market stalls and many cafés do not take cards.
-
Dress and manners
Harar is a deeply religious city. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Take your shoes off before entering a mosque or someone's home, and ask before photographing people.
-
Time and language
Harar keeps East Africa Time (UTC+3). Ethiopians also count the hours from sunrise, so one o'clock can mean 7:00 on a watch; the clock on the home page shows both. People speak Harari, Oromo and Amharic. English is usually understood in hotels and by guides.
-
Health and comfort
Harar lies high above sea level. Drink plenty of water, carry sunscreen and bring a light layer for the evening. Ask a doctor or a travel clinic about vaccinations before you travel; this site cannot give medical advice.
-
Staying connected
Mobile data can be slow or drop out in the old town. Pages you have opened on this site are kept on your phone, so they still open without a connection.
Before you pack
The weather in Harar
Harar sits high above sea level, so days are mild and evenings can feel cool. The forecast below updates through the day.
Right now
23°C
Partly cloudy
Today
25° / 15°
Cloudy
44% chance of rain
Tuesday
25° / 15°
Thunderstorms
100% chance of rain
Wednesday
25° / 13°
Clear skies
4% chance of rain
Forecast from Open-Meteo.
