Dire Dawa to Mekele

Dire Dawa to Mekele - Language, Currency, Distance, How to Reach, Expenses, Best time to go, What to Eat, Where to Go, FAQ

Language

The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic, but English is also widely spoken in major cities like Dire Dawa and Mekele.

Currency

The official currency of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian birr (ETB). You can exchange currency at banks, hotels, and currency exchange bureaus.

Distance

The distance between Dire Dawa and Mekele is approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles).

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Mekele from Dire Dawa:

• By plane: There are daily flights from Dire Dawa to Mekele with Ethiopian Airlines. The flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• By bus: There are several bus companies that offer daily service from Dire Dawa to Mekele. The journey takes about 10-12 hours.
• By train: There is no direct train service between Dire Dawa and Mekele. However, you can take a train from Dire Dawa to Addis Ababa and then transfer to a train to Mekele.

Expenses

The cost of travel from Dire Dawa to Mekele will vary depending on the mode of transportation and the time of year. However, here is a general estimate of what you can expect to spend:

• Plane: The cost of a plane ticket from Dire Dawa to Mekele ranges from $100 to $200.
• Bus: The cost of a bus ticket from Dire Dawa to Mekele ranges from $20 to $40.
• Train: The cost of a train ticket from Dire Dawa to Addis Ababa ranges from $10 to $20. The cost of a train ticket from Addis Ababa to Mekele ranges from $20 to $40.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Mekele is during the dry season, which runs from October to April. During this time, the weather is mild and there is less chance of rain.

What to Eat

Mekele is home to a variety of traditional Ethiopian dishes, including:

• Injera: A sourdough flatbread that is used to scoop up other dishes.
• Wat: A stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices.
• Shiro: A chickpea stew.
• Kitfo: A minced beef dish that is served raw.

Where to Go

Mekele is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including:

• The Tigray Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Tigray region, including traditional clothing, weapons, and jewelry.
• The Mekele Cathedral: This cathedral is one of the largest and most important churches in Ethiopia.
• The Gheralta Mountains: These mountains are home to a number of rock-hewn churches and monasteries.

FAQ

• Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia? Yes, all visitors to Ethiopia need a visa. You can apply for a visa online or at your nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate.
• What are the vaccinations required for travel to Ethiopia? The following vaccinations are required for travel to Ethiopia: yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
• Is it safe to travel to Mekele? Mekele is a relatively safe city, but it is always important to take precautions against petty crime. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.