Eritrea-6-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

Eritrea Travel Itinerary - 6 Days

Morning: Arrive at Asmara International Airport. Eritreans greet with handshakes, so expect a warm welcome.
Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel. Explore the city, starting from the old town, then visit:
- Asmara Cathedral (Roman Catholic) - A beautiful example of Italian colonial architecture.
- Independence Square - The heart of Asmara, with a statue of Eritrea’s independence hero, Hamad Idris Awate.
Evening: Enjoy traditional Eritrean cuisine for dinner and relax in the evening.

Language: Tigrinya is the official language. Arabic, English are widely spoken among educated people.
Weather: Asmara has a mild climate due to its high altitude (over 2,400 meters).

Morning: Visit:
- Asmara Art Deco Quarter - A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Art Deco architecture.
- National Museum of Eritrea - Learn about the history and culture of the country.
Afternoon:
- Hagere Selam Palace (Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie’s residence during his exile in 1936) is now a hotel, but you can visit the surroundings.
- Take a ride on Asmara’s iconic tram, a piece of Italian colonial history.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and explore local markets.

Safety: Eritrea has a good safety record for tourists. However, it’s always wise to be cautious in crowded areas or during demonstrations if any.
Healthcare: Medical facilities are not well-equipped compared to Western standards, so ensure you have comprehensive health insurance before traveling.

Morning: Depart from Asmara for Massawa. The journey takes approximately 7 hours by car.
Afternoon: Arrive in Massawa and check into your hotel.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants, serving traditional Eritrean cuisine.

Transportation: The road condition can be challenging. Be prepared for potential delays due to weather conditions or car breakdowns.
Border Crossing: If you plan to cross into Ethiopia or Sudan, ensure you have necessary visas and permits.

Morning: Visit:
- The Coral Beach - Enjoy the beauty of Eritrea’s Red Sea coastline.
- Fort of Badab
Afternoon:
- The British Colonial Quarter, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture.
- Saba Aliyin Massawa - Enjoy the local market and buy souvenirs.

Cultural Norms: Eritrean culture values hospitality. Greet locals with a smile and respect their way of life.
Currency: The Nakfa (ERN) is the currency, though US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Morning: Depart for Hamelmalo and then to Dahlak. Spend the day exploring:
- Hamelmalo Church - A historic church with a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture.
- Dahlak Marine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its marine life.

Remote Areas: Infrastructure can be minimal in these areas. Be prepared for basic amenities and limited communication.

Morning: Depart from Dahlak back to Asmara.
Afternoon: Spend your last hours exploring the city or shopping for souvenirs.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in one of Asmara’s restaurants.

Tourist Visa: Eritrea offers tourist visas on arrival for citizens of several countries, including many European nations. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Check with Your Embassy: Confirm the latest visa requirements and regulations before your trip.

Travel Tips

Research local customs to avoid unintentionally offending locals.
Respect the environment in national parks and protected areas.
Enjoy the warm hospitality of Eritreans, but also understand their culture and traditions.
Be prepared for potential delays due to weather conditions or car breakdowns.