Kafira Market


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. Delving into the organised chaos of its narrow lanes is an assault on the senses. This market attracts people from miles around, including Afar and Somali herders, Oromo farmers and Amhara merchants. Charcoal and firewood is brought in from the hinterlands by camel; look for them in the wadi (riverbed).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

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0.4 MILES

Juma'a Mosque is the city's largest mosque and a prominent landmark in the Megala neighbourhood.

2. Chattara Market

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Chat is sold all over town, but the trade at the Chattara Market is so frenetic it deserves a look.

3. Bete Mikael Church

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This colourful church, which lies near the Old Palace, is noted for its octagonal shape.

4. Old Palace

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This large building is the former imperial residence of Haile Selassie. It's not open to the public and difficult to see from outside.

5. Greek Orthodox Church

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6. Dire Dawa Market

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7. Ethiopia-Djibouti Rail Yard

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8. Ashawa Market & Livestock Market

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