Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
likely to be seen, are lions (notable for their black manes), leopards, cheetahs, Menelik's
bushbuck, Soemmerring's Gazelle, and greater and lesser kudu. The bird list is at least
227 species strong.
The best way to see the elephants is driving through the Erer Valley, which comprises
the majority of the 6982-sq-km sanctuary, to near where they were last spotted and then
get out and walk. With enough patience and perseverance you stand a good chance of
finding them. They prefer the thick brush so are difficult to see clearly (climbing trees
provides the best vantage), but you can often get quite close. Wear long trousers; there are
many thorn trees and cacti.
The signed turn-off is 20km from Harar on the Jijiga Road at Kile, and then it's another
12km to the office. Except during heavy rain, a taxi or minibus can handle the road
through the reserve.
Camping (per tent Birr20) is allowed anywhere, but there are no facilities.
BABILLE
If you're travelling on a Monday or Thursday, don't pass this otherwise unremarkable vil-
lage without taking a look at the livestock market , one of Ethiopia's biggest, which at-
tracts buyers of camels, cows and goats from as far as Djibouti and Somaliland. The mar-
ket runs from about 10am to 2pm but because sales go fast it's best to visit early. Buses
from Harar (Birr11, 45 minutes) are frequent.
VALLEY OF MARVELS
The drive from Harar to Jijiga is quite beautiful. The best stretch begins about 4km past
Babille where the road enters the Dakhata Valley, better known as the Valley of Marvels.
Here, tall rocks have been sculpted into strange, often phallic shapes by the elements. The
name oversells things, but the Valley of the Pretty Cool doesn't have the same ring. Most
people just see it from the road, but a half-day ramble is the better choice.
Jijiga
POP 142,500 / ELEV 1696M
There's little to see and less to do in Jijiga. Its size provides the only clue to its status as
capital of the Somali region. Some people come hoping to get a taste of Somalia, but it's
better to just get on the next minibus to the border and experience the real thing.
 
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