Eritrea Holidays – Tours & Adventure Travel Guide

PureTravel Says
“Since its independence from Ethiopia, Eritrea has rebuilt itself and is trying to increase its levels of international tourism. A visit to Asmara and the beautiful Italian-built Cathedral will attest to the history of this unique country but its countryside also has much to offer. Walking and trekking, mountain-biking and sightseeing are all growing in popularity.”

Eritrea Holiday Highlights

Walkinga and Trekking - The Great Rift Valley divides the country and its terrain, with lush landscapes to its west and dryer, rockier terrain in the east. Walks can be made in both and itineraries constructed to show you the best of both.

Additionally, walking tours around the Italian architecture in Asmara (the capital) can take more than a couple days if you want to learn something about the history of Eritrea—especially about the years of struggle for self-identity and independence.

The Dahlak Archipelago could also provide some walking trips but you’ll need a guide (and a boat and gear) to get out to them.
If you want to climb Eritrea’s highest mountain, then a trek up the 3018-meter Emba Soira.

Mountain Biking - If you’re looking for a real tour of Eritrea on bike, it will be necessary to book your itinerary in full from a tour operator. Most rides go in and around towns, villages and some of the more culturally rich cities. A trip across the Eritrea highlands with a descent into the western plains can take four to six days. Over fifty percent of the rides will be on dirt tracks and seldom-used roads as Eritrea infrastructure is still under construction. You may need to bring your own mountain bike to handle these rugged “roads.”

Fishing - Fishing is good all over and around Eritrea, especially in the Red Sea. If you’re into freshwater fishing, then you can catch European eels, North African Catfish, Tarpon, Rainbow trout, Tilapia, Nile Tilapia, and Silver Sillago. The fishable lakes include Beleza, Halhale, Kalson, Mandalum, and Surwa among others.

Sightseeing - Eritrea has a nice selection of interesting Italian architecture, including the famous Lombardian Cathedral built in 1922 still functional in Asmara. You can visit an equal number of churches and mosques, with Khalufa el Rashidin being the most spectacular. Tigrinya, Kunama, Nara, Bilen, and Hadareb are all interesting cultural influences you’ll learn about on a trip through the history of Eritrea.

When To Go

The summer in Eritrea starts in April and ends in August. The temps can easily reach 40 degrees Celsius or more, namely on the western plateau. Along the coast, however, the weather is more bearable at this time, hovering above 20 degrees Celsius. The winter starts in December to February and the temperature variance is sudden and makes it seem freezing. Believe it or not, there is a stunted rainy season, lasting a few weeks between March and April and longer rains coming around June to September.

Top Tips

• Eritrea is an open and friendly country. However, be sure to book your transport and tour with a tour operator. A permit is required before entrance to some towns and cities.
• Be sure to have some local currency (or money) to pay at the airport when you leave. The normal exit tax is around $20 USD.
• It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings.

Classic Itineraries

• City Walking Tours
• Great Rift Valley Trekking
• Biking Highlands to Western Plains (to coast)
• Italian built Cathedral
• Khalufa el Rashidin mosque