3 Days Itinerary in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia - Travel Guide
3 Incredible Days in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| Days | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Day 1 - Arrival and Exploration |
| 2 | Day 2 - Art and History |
| 3 | Day 3 - Cultural Immersion |
Introduction
Explore the cultural and historical riches of Dire Dawa in 3 memorable days. Marvel at the intricate designs of the famous railways, soak in the vibrant ambiance of bustling markets, and admire the diverse architectural styles underlying the city's charm.
Day 1 - Arrival and Exploration
Touch down in the cultured city of Dire Dawa. Shake off travel fatigue before embarking on a delightful city stroll. Our first highlight starts with a visit to the iconic Kefira Market, the largest open market in Ethiopia where you will experience first-hand the bustling local life. There's a slice of history everywhere you turn, with heaps of spices, handmade items, and colorful attire adorning the market. Once done, visit the Railway Station. The Franco-Ethiopian Railway station is a testament to colonial influences on Ethiopian railway architecture. From there, amble over to the Chat Market. It's not every day that you get to psychoanalyze an entire city by just watching people talk over a chew - Chat (Khat)! The balmy evening wind garnished with the intoxicating aroma of coffee beans roasted at Dire Dawa's popular coffee dens is an apt setting to end your day.
Day 2 - Art and History
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before stepping out for an art-inspired tour of Dire Dawa. Visit the incredible Dire Dawa Art Gallery, showcasing both contemporary art and traditional Ethiopian styles. Mesmerized by the art? There's more. Next on our list is the grand Dechatu River. The Dechatu River gives an exquisite view, especially during the rainy season when you'll see it humbling the city with its might. After basking in nature's beauty, a visit to the Dire Dawa National Museum will help you delve into Ethiopia's past through treasured artifacts. As dusk approaches, you might want to take a leisurely stroll across town, dining at one of the local eateries serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
Day 3 - Cultural Immersion
Start your day by exploring the fascinating and diverse neighborhood of Legehare, where the city's unique past and present collide. Here you'll see a wide range of architectural designs, from colorful religious structures to elegant colonial houses. After lunch, Step into the cultural hotspot, the Selam Community Centre, for an evening of traditional Ethiopian music and dance. Revel in the sounds of joy and laughter while watching lively performances by local communities; it's an experience you'll carry for a lifetime. Finally, cap off your amazing Dire Dawa trip by diving into the local food scene. Savour the rich, endemic cuisines of Ethiopia, bringing your incredible sojourn in Dire Dawa to a fitting, sumptuous end.
Daniel Taylor
FAQs about this
3 day itinerary in
Dire Dawa
The best time to visit Dire Dawa is from October to February when the weather is cooler and drier, perfect for outdoor excursions.
Definitely try the Injera, a sourdough flatbread paired with a variety of stews and salads. For meat lovers, Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew, is a must.
Dire Dawa, like many of Ethiopia's cities, is generally safe for travel. However, as always, exercise usual safety measures such as not flaunting valuables and maintaining vigilance especially at night.