Harar

Harar is a city in Northeast Ethiopia near the border with Somalia and a great seat of Islamic culture. It was once the commercial link between Africa and the middle east and today is an enchanting lost-in-time city that’s famous for the impressive walls and centuries-old buildings.

This sacred, medieval, and fortified city is a fascinating maze of little lanes. Its walled city, called "Africa's Mecca," is home to more than 100 mosques and is also regarded as Islam's "fourth holy city.". It is Africa's oldest Islamic city, having been built in the early 16th century.

You will be welcomed by friendly Harari ladies dressed in vividly colored clothes as you walk along the city's cobblestone and tiny lanes.

It won't be long until the legend of Harar's "hyena man" is recounted. The "hyena guy" will address the hyenas by name at the Fallana Gate. They came up one by one, each taking a chunk of flesh from the stick he holds in his mouth. You may even take turns hand-feeding these stunningly beautiful but deadly African predators if you have the courage.

• Location: Eastern Ethiopia