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Dire Dawa, ኢትዮጵያ إثيوبيا - Things to Do in Dire Dawa

Things to Do in Dire Dawa

Dire Dawa, ኢትዮጵያ إثيوبيا - Complete Travel Guide

Dire Dawa, Ethiopia's second-largest city, is a fascinating blend of Ethiopian and French colonial architecture that serves as a major commercial and transportation hub in the eastern part of the country. Founded in 1902 as a railway town for the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, the city developed a unique multicultural character with distinct neighborhoods reflecting its diverse history. The name 'Dire Dawa' means 'where Dir hit the stone' in the Somali language, referring to a legendary figure who struck a rock to create a water source. Today, Dire Dawa offers visitors a glimpse into Ethiopia's colonial past while serving as a gateway to the Somali region and the historic walled city of Harar. The city is divided into two main areas: Kezira (the planned French colonial section) and Megala (the traditional Ethiopian quarter), each offering distinct architectural styles and cultural experiences. With its bustling markets, historic railway station, and proximity to significant cultural sites, Dire Dawa provides an authentic Ethiopian urban experience away from the typical tourist trail.

Top Things to Do in Dire Dawa

Explore the Historic Railway Station and French Colonial Architecture

Visit the iconic Dire Dawa Railway Station, a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century colonial architecture that once served as a vital link between Ethiopia and the sea. Walk through the Kezira district to admire the French-influenced buildings with their distinctive verandas and geometric layouts. The contrast between this planned colonial section and the organic Ethiopian neighborhoods provides insight into the city's unique dual heritage.

Booking Tip: No booking required for self-guided exploration. Visit during morning hours (8-11 AM) when lighting is best for photography and temperatures are cooler. Local guides can be hired at the station for 200-400 ETB for detailed historical context.

Shop at Kafira Market and Experience Local Commerce

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kafira Market, one of Ethiopia's most important commercial centers where traders from across the Horn of Africa converge. Browse through stalls selling everything from traditional textiles and spices to modern goods, experiencing the multicultural trading traditions that have defined Dire Dawa for over a century. The market offers an authentic glimpse into daily Ethiopian life and commerce.

Booking Tip: Best visited early morning (7-10 AM) when the market is most active and temperatures are manageable. Bring small denomination Ethiopian birr for purchases. Bargaining is expected, start at 50% of the asking price. Keep valuables secure and be mindful of crowds.

Visit Laga Harre Natural Pools

Take a refreshing break at Laga Harre, natural rock pools formed by underground springs located about 10 kilometers from the city center. These crystal-clear pools offer a perfect escape from the desert heat and are popular with locals for swimming and picnicking. The site provides beautiful views of the surrounding arid landscape and is especially magical during sunset.

Booking Tip: Arrange transportation through your hotel or hire a taxi for 800-1200 ETB round trip including waiting time. Best visited in late afternoon (3-6 PM) to avoid midday heat. Bring swimwear, towels, and sun protection. Small entrance fee of 20-50 ETB may apply.

Experience Traditional Coffee Culture

Participate in or observe the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which holds special significance in Dire Dawa's multicultural setting. Visit local coffee houses where this ancient ritual is performed daily, involving the roasting of green coffee beans, grinding by hand, and brewing in a clay pot called a jebena. The ceremony is a social event that can last several hours and offers deep cultural insight.

Booking Tip: Most hotels and restaurants offer coffee ceremonies for guests, typically 150-300 ETB per person. Traditional coffee houses in Megala district offer authentic experiences for much less (50-100 ETB). Best experienced in late afternoon or early evening when locals gather socially.

Take a Day Trip to Harar

Use Dire Dawa as a base to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Harar, the fourth holiest city in Islam and one of Africa's most important historical cities. Located just 55 kilometers away, Harar features ancient city walls, colorful markets, traditional Harari houses, and the famous hyena feeding ceremony. The journey itself offers spectacular views of the Ethiopian highlands.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 2000-4000 ETB by private taxi or 100-200 ETB by shared minibus. Private tours through hotels run 3000-5000 ETB including guide and transportation. Start early (7 AM) to maximize time in Harar. Shared transport leaves from the main bus station throughout the day.

Getting There

Dire Dawa is accessible by air through Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma International Airport, which receives daily flights from Addis Ababa (1.5-hour flight, 150-300 USD) operated by Ethiopian Airlines. The historic Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway provides a scenic but slower alternative, with the journey taking 10-12 hours from the capital. By road, Dire Dawa is connected to Addis Ababa via a 515-kilometer highway journey (7-8 hours by bus, 1500-2500 ETB) with regular bus services operated by companies like Selam Bus and Sky Bus. The city also serves as a transport hub for travelers heading to Djibouti, Somaliland, or the Danakil Depression.

Getting Around

Dire Dawa is relatively compact and walkable, especially in the central Kezira district where most colonial architecture and hotels are located. Blue and white shared taxis (bajaj or three-wheelers) are the most common form of local transport, costing 10-25 ETB for short distances within the city. Regular taxis are available for longer distances or more comfort, typically charging 100-300 ETB depending on destination. The city is divided by the seasonal Dechatu River, with bridges connecting the two main sections. Bicycle rentals are available from some hotels for exploring at a leisurely pace, and the flat terrain makes cycling feasible during cooler parts of the day.

Where to Stay

Kezira District (Colonial Quarter)
Megala (Traditional Ethiopian Quarter)
Near Railway Station
Airport Area
Sabian Hotel Area
City Center Commercial District

Food & Dining

Dire Dawa's dining scene reflects its multicultural heritage, offering a unique blend of Ethiopian, Somali, Arab, and French colonial influences. Traditional Ethiopian restaurants serve injera with various stews, while Somali establishments offer rice dishes, goat meat, and camel milk. The city is famous for its coffee culture, with numerous coffee houses serving traditional ceremonies alongside pastries influenced by Italian and French colonial periods. Local specialties include soor (a Somali porridge), various grilled meats, and fresh fruit juices. International cuisine is available in hotels, with some establishments offering continental breakfast and European-style meals. Street food is abundant and safe, featuring sambusas, roasted corn, and fresh fruit from the surrounding agricultural areas.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ethiopia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Cravings Restaurant & Bar

4.6 /5
(2395 reviews)
bar

Golden Plate Restaurant | Bole | ጎልደን ፕሌት ሬስቶራንት | ቦሌ

4.7 /5
(570 reviews)

Louvre Grand Hotel & Restaurant

4.5 /5
(324 reviews)
lodging

Atmosphere

4.5 /5
(224 reviews)
art_gallery bar

Vaccari Italian Restaurant

4.5 /5
(220 reviews)

Belvedere Restaurant

4.5 /5
(216 reviews)

When to Visit

The best time to visit Dire Dawa is during the dry season from October to March when temperatures are more moderate (20-30°C/68-86°F) and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the most comfortable weather with cooler temperatures and clear skies, ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and markets. The hot season from April to June can see temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F), making daytime activities challenging, though this period offers lower accommodation rates. The rainy season from July to September brings relief from the heat but can disrupt transportation and outdoor activities. For photography and sightseeing, the months of November through January provide the best combination of comfortable weather, clear skies, and good visibility for day trips to surrounding areas.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at banks rather than hotels for better rates, and always carry small denomination Ethiopian birr as many vendors cannot make change for large bills
The city has two distinct sections with different vibes - spend time in both Kezira (colonial) and Megala (traditional) to get the full Dire Dawa experience
Learn a few words in Somali, Oromo, or Amharic as English is less commonly spoken here than in Addis Ababa, and locals appreciate the effort to communicate in local languages

Explore Activities in Dire Dawa