Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
rooms might see hyenas in the early morning light, and they'll surely hear them at night.
For a sure sighting, walk over to the football field after about 9pm. The hyenas, however,
are the only thing recommendable. Both the rooms and the service are simply bad (though
house guide Girma gets good reviews), making the prices a complete rip-off, plus odds are
against having running water.
Harargey International Hotel
Work was underway on this new hotel when we passed through Harar. The sign promising
a 'Five Star Hotel Coming Soon' is bollocks, but if it's even half as good as the pictures it
will be the new best in Harar.
HOTEL
Eating
EUROPEAN, ETHIOPIAN
Hirut Restaurant $
(mains Birr35-70)
Decorated with traditional woven baskets and specialising in authentic
local cuisine, this is the most atmospheric place in Harar to sink your teeth into a super-
filling
kwanta firfir
(dried strips of beef rubbed in chilli, butter, salt and
berbere
) or swill
a glass of Gouder wine. The European food is good too. The choice between the cosy
lounge and the well-shaded garden is a difficult one. It doesn't serve breakfast.
Fresh Touch $
(mains Birr35-121)
We won't rave about this below-street-level place the way some visit-
ors to Harar do, but the
faranji
food (including pizzas and stir-fries) is definitely better
than average for Ethiopia and that's made this a long-term favourite for locals and visitors
alike. The prices are reasonable and the national dishes are good too.
EUROPEAN, ETHIOPIAN
Mizrak Hotel $
(mains Birr25-60)
It's the hyenas, not the food, that makes this a recommended night-time
dining option. They usually arrive around 8.30pm to scavenge the nearby dumpsters, but
if you have some flesh to offer them (hang it on a stick rather than use your hand, of
course), they'll come dine at your sidewalk table.
ETHIOPIAN
