Jijiga

Jijiga or Jigjiga is a city in Eastern Ethiopia.

Understand
Jijiga has been the capital of the Somali region since 1995. It is one of the few places where the government of Ethiopia fully controls.

Get in

 * Mini buses leave regularly for the 90 minute journey from the minibus station in Harar. They will drop you at your Hotel if you are on the A10.
 * Mini buses leave regularly for the 90 minute journey from the minibus station in Harar. They will drop you at your Hotel if you are on the A10.

See
Jijiga is home to dozens of mosques.

Do
The locals will assure you that there is nothing to see or do in Jijiga.


 * It is true that the drive to Jijiga from Harar is a highlight. The road traverses dry semi arid valleys adorned with large boulders and stones. On the way you pass what appears to be a refugee camp - a reminder that the Ogaden Desert and the civil wars of Somalia are not far away.
 * Despite what the locals say it is a pleasant excursion to walk through the shops and markets to the historic Fooq Dheere building. With luck you might see a real camel caravan.

Eat
There are numerous modern cafes and restaurants. This is a great place to sample Somali food.

The Maamuus Café in the shopping centre that houses the Ethiopian Airlines office has all manner of coffee and pizzas.

Sleep
There are dozens of hotels in Jijiga