Things to Do in Eritrea

About Eritrea

Eritrea sits where the Red Sea meets the Horn of Africa, a country few travelers can access. Italian colonial buildings stand next to traditional Tigrinya homes in Asmara's high-altitude streets, while the ancient port of Massawa holds remnants of Ottoman traders and coral merchants beneath its pearl-diving waters. The contrast is stark. The landscape shifts hard from cool, coffee-scented highlands where monks tend centuries-old monasteries to the Danakil Depression, where salt caravans still follow routes carved by generations of nomadic traders. Time doesn't move the same way here. Morning coffee ceremonies turn into hours-long philosophical discussions, and the evening passeggiata along Liberation Avenue becomes a nightly community gathering. Every conversation carries history. Every meal tells a story of survival, and every sunset over the escarpment proves that some places haven't bent to the world rushing past their borders.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use local buses for 2-8 nakfa ($0.13-$0.53) between towns but expect long delays and crowded conditions. In Asmara, blue-and-white taxis cost 15-35 nakfa ($1-$2.33) for cross-city trips—negotiate before entering. Rent cars through tour operators for 300-500 nakfa ($20-$33.33) daily including driver due to permit requirements.

Money: Bring US cash in small denominations (avoid $100 bills) as credit cards don't work and ATMs are unreliable. Official exchange rate is 15 nakfa per dollar at Bank of Eritrea. Budget 150-300 nakfa ($10-$20) daily for meals and local activities.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'selam' in Tigrinya and always use both hands when shaking. Coffee ceremonies are sacred—accept if invited and plan 45-60 minutes for the full three-round process. Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees when visiting Orthodox churches.

Food: Try injera with zigni (spiced meat) at Milano Restaurant where traditional platters cost 45-85 nakfa ($3-$5.67). Italian influence remains strong—pasta dishes cost 35-65 nakfa ($2.33-$4.33) at local restaurants. Drink bottled water costing 8-15 nakfa ($0.53-$1) and avoid ice in drinks.

When to Visit

Eritrea's climate varies dramatically by elevation, making timing important for your experience. October to March offers ideal conditions with daytime temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) in Asmara's highlands and 25-30°C (77-86°F) in coastal Massawa. This dry season brings minimal rainfall (under 50mm monthly) and represents peak season, with accommodation prices 40-60% higher than off-season rates. April and May transition into hotter weather, reaching 35°C+ (95°F+) along the coast, but offer excellent value with 30-40% lower prices. June through September brings the rainy season to highlands, with temperatures dropping to 15-20°C (59-68°F) and monthly rainfall reaching 150-200mm in Asmara, while coastal areas remain hot and humid. Key festivals include Timkat (Orthodox Epiphany) in January, Independence Day celebrations May 24th, and Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) in late September. Photography ensoiasts should visit during October-December for crystal-clear mountain air and golden light. Beach lovers prefer November-February for comfortable coastal temperatures. Budget travelers find June-September offers the best deals, though highland travel may require rain gear and warm clothing for surprisingly cool evenings.