Harar Hyena Feeding
Hyena Feeding Spot
After dark, outside the walls, "hyena men" call wild spotted hyenas to come. Feed them by hand, holding meat on a stick: Harar's most unique experience.
The people of Harar have lived alongside spotted hyenas for hundreds of years. Legend says the hyenas eat the city's garbage and "evil spirits," and small holes were built into the city walls to let them pass through. Today, after dark each evening, "hyena men" families call out to wild hyenas near the eastern wall (close to Erer Gate) and feed them raw meat. Visitors can hold the meat on a stick or even hold the stick in their mouth to feed the hyenas, watching them snatch food up close. Usually, you pay the feeder about 100–200 birr (prices change, so agree on a price beforehand). It takes about 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from the old town, and many guides and hotels can arrange round-trip transport. Hyenas are wild animals, so always follow the feeder's instructions. Don't approach them on your own, and don't aim flash photography directly at them.
Opening hours
Nightly about 19:00–20:00 after dark
Nearby sights
- Gidir Magala & Old Town Markets
- Harar Jugol
- Arthur Rimbaud House
- Tomb of Emir Nur
- Sherif Harar City Museum (Ras Tafari's House)
- Medhane Alem Cathedral & Feres Megala
- Harar Gate
- Harar Brewery