Things To Do
in Jijiga
Jijiga sits on a highland plateau in eastern Ethiopia near the Somali regional border, where dry heat meets cooler mornings. The city is a cultural crossroads, blending Somali, Oromo, and Afar influences in markets, music, and daily life. It has long been a trading hub and gateway to eastern Ethiopia, with a resilient, hospitable community and growing services.
Expect lively markets, colorful streets, and a sense of frontier adventure as you explore the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Jijiga and check into your accommodation. After settling in, head out to explore the local streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Visit a nearby market to immerse yourself in the culture and find unique crafts.
Visit the Jijiga Museum to learn about the rich history and heritage of the Somali region. Engage with local historians and view artifacts that provide insight into the area’s past. This afternoon is an excellent opportunity to connect with the culture through storytelling.
Enjoy a traditional Somali dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor dishes like injera and goat stew. Spend your evening strolling through the city, watching the sunset over the landscape. End your day with a cup of spiced tea or coffee at a local café.
Take a day trip to the scenic surrounding countryside, beginning with a hearty breakfast. Enjoy a guided tour where you'll learn about the flora and fauna characteristic of the region. Capture stunning photographs of the picturesque landscapes enveloping Jijiga.
Discover the natural beauty of nearby hot springs, where you can relax in the warm waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the astounding scenery, and take some time for reflection and relaxation. Engage in activities like hiking to explore the area further.
Return to Jijiga and enjoy dinner at a local eatery, sampling more of the region's culinary delights. Share stories and experiences with fellow travelers and locals alike. Wrap up your day by engaging in a small gathering or local entertainment.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 💧Water bottle (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🚖Local taxi ride (short distance) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel night | $15-35 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich and diverse cultural heritage with vibrant markets
- Affordable travel and warm hospitality
- Gateway to eastern Ethiopia and nearby border areas
- Friendly people and opportunities to learn about nomadic livelihoods
- Growing tourism infrastructure in select areas
- Limited nightlife and underdeveloped tourist facilities in some areas
- Variable road conditions and occasional travel delays
- Healthcare facilities are basic in Jijiga; major emergencies require travel to larger cities
- Language barriers can exist in rural communities
- Border-region security considerations mean extra caution is advised
- "Iska warran?" - How are you?
- "Fadlan" - Please
- "Mahadsanid" - Thank you
- "Ma ii sheegi kartaa halka suuqa yahay?" - Can you tell me where the market is?
- "Waa maxay qiimaha?" - What is the price?
Places to Visit in Jijiga
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant scene with vendors setting up, colorful fabrics, spices, and livestock.
Narrow lanes with traditional Somali-style houses and distinctive doorways for candid portraits.
Panoramic view across Jijiga’s rooftops and surrounding highlands.
Intimate spaces where baristas demonstrate and photograph the coffee ritual.
Warm glow, steam, and dynamic street life under dusk light.
Food in Jijiga
Jijiga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sour flatbread served with a choice of wats (stews) such as misir wat or doro wat.
Must-Try!
Spicy chicken stew with onions, berbere, and hard-boiled eggs, usually enjoyed with injera.
Protein-rich lentil stew flavored with berbere and onions, a staple for vegetarians.
Sautéed meat with onions, peppers, and spices, best enjoyed with injera.
Fried pastry stuffed with spiced meat or vegetables, popular as a snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub where traders sell coffee, spices, fresh produce, and livestock; great for people-watching and flavor samples.
Street vendors serving hot sambusas, kebabs, and roasted corn as the sun sets.
Tiny booths offering traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies and spiced tea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders first; handshakes are common; use the right hand; dress modestly in public and religious sites.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in homes or ceremonies.
Respect local norms around dress, alcohol, and displays of affection in public.
Safety
Tipping in Jijiga
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are modest; consider rounding up or small tips to guides, hotel staff, and drivers.
Cash in Ethiopian Birr is widely used; some shops and larger hotels may accept credit cards or mobile money (telebirr) in urban areas, but carry cash for markets and street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler mornings and pleasant daytime temperatures; dusty winds can occur; ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.
Rains refresh the landscape and may bring greener scenery, but roads can become muddy and travel slower; plan accordingly.
Jijiga at Night
Hiking in Jijiga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic route offering vantage points over the city and surrounding plains, ideal for a half-day hike.
Day hike through scrubland and ridges with panoramic views toward the border region and distant hills.
Airports
How to reach Jijiga by plane.
Small domestic airport offering direct flights to Addis Ababa and occasional regional connections; convenient for quick trips.
Larger airport with more flight options and longer regional connections; useful for broader travel plans.
Main international hub of Ethiopia; many regional and international connections; typical gateway for longer journeys.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant linguistic and cultural presence in Jijiga, shaping markets, cuisine, and daily life.
Significant minority with their own language and cultural practices contributing to the region's diversity.
Smaller communities that enrich the cultural mosaic of the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport across towns in the region, with local matches and youth programs common.
Traditional rural and urban participation in running events and school competitions.
Growing in popularity in schools and youth clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jijiga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most traditional dishes are plant-based or can be prepared without meat; request lentil or chickpea wat with injera, and consider teff injera if gluten-free.