Travelling east, through Debre Zeit, a good road takes you to the Awash National Park, situated in the lowlands east of Addis Ababa. Camping by the river, the Awash is excellent for viewing game. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles can be seen in the river.
You will continue east, touring various towns, through the scenery of craters and dry gorges, to Dire Dawa. The road from Dire Dawa arrives at Harar, the famous walled Muslim city. This colourful city, with its many mosques is known for producing the best coffee and chat (a mild narcotic leaf) in the country. With a fascinating history, this city is a unique window on the past.
The minimum time, including a stay at Awash National Park is 5 days. For a longer tour it could easily be combined with a visit to the Rift Valley Lakes.