Dire Dawa
With its Babel-like ambience, the enormous Kafira Market, sprawling way beyond its Moorish-style arches, is the most striking of Dire Dawa's markets…
Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images
Dire Dawa
The fourth-most populous city in Ethiopia, Dire Dawa (ድሬ ዳዋ) usually elicits strong reactions. Its colourful storefronts, tree-lined streets, neat squares and foreign influence (look for Arab, French, Italian and Greek styles in some of the architecture and design) are quite a change from most Ethiopian towns.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Dire Dawa
Rail fans can clamber through what remains of the once-great Imperial Railway Company of Ethiopia. Ask for Kadra Ali – she can get by in English and will…
Ashawa Market & Livestock Market
Dire Dawa
With its numerous sheet-metal shacks in the back, the chaotic Ashawa Market is well worth a gander. In the wadi behind Ashawa you'll find the livestock…
Dire Dawa
Also known as ‘Taiwan’, this is a modern, orderly covered market mostly full of clothing and fabric, though some of the cheap electronic goods that used…
Dire Dawa
Chat is sold all over town, but the trade at the Chattara Market is so frenetic it deserves a look.
Dire Dawa
This large building is the former imperial residence of Haile Selassie. It's not open to the public and difficult to see from outside.
Dire Dawa
Juma'a Mosque is the city's largest mosque and a prominent landmark in the Megala neighbourhood.
Dire Dawa
This modern, well-proportioned church is most notable for its two spires and yellow facade.
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Dire Dawa with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.