Things to Do in Eritrea

About Eritrea

Where the Red Sea meets ancient civilizations and Italian Art Deco graces sun-baked streets, Eritrea remains one of Africa's most enigmatic and untouched destinations. This young nation, with roots stretching back millennia, offers travelers a rare glimpse into a land where nine distinct ethnic groups have woven together cultures, languages, and traditions into a tapestry found nowhere else on Earth. Step beyond the familiar and discover a country that has preserved its authenticity while the rest of the world rushed forward.

Travel Tips

• Cash and Currency: Bring USD or Euros in cash as ATMs are unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted; exchange money at official banks or your hotel, and avoid black market exchanges which can lead to serious legal trouble.

• Photography Restrictions: Always ask permission before photographing people, and never photograph government buildings, military sites, bridges, or airports – violating photography rules can result in detention and confiscation of your camera.

• Travel Permits: Obtain a travel permit from the Ministry of Tourism or through your hotel before venturing outside of Asmara, as checkpoints throughout the country require documentation and independent travel beyond the capital is restricted.

• Transportation: Shared taxis and buses are the main form of public transport between cities and depart early morning (usually before 6 AM), so plan to arrive at bus stations very early as schedules are informal and vehicles leave when full rather than at set times.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Eritrea is October through March, when temperatures in Asmara hover around a comfortable 15-25°C (59-77°F) and the highland capital enjoys clear, sunny days following the summer rainy season that runs June through September. September brings the vibrant Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) festival with bonfires and processions throughout the country, while May 24th marks Independence Day with massive celebrations in Asmara, though late May temperatures can climb to 30°C (86°F) in the capital and above 40°C (104°F) in the sweltering Massawa coastal lowlands. Budget travelers benefit from visiting during the hot months of April through June, when fewer tourists mean better hotel rates, but you'll need to contend with intense heat—Massawa regularly exceeds 45°C (113°F) in May and June with oppressive humidity. The July-September rainy season brings afternoon downpours that can make rural roads impassable and disrupt travel to archaeological sites like Qohaito, though the countryside transforms into lush greenery and Asmara remains relatively mild at 18-22°C (64-72°F). Winter months of December through February offer the most pleasant beach weather in Massawa (around 25-28°C/77-82°F) and ideal conditions for exploring the Dahlak Islands, though December coincides with Gena (Christmas on January 7th) and Timkat (Epiphany on January 19th) when hotels book up quickly for these colorful Orthodox celebrations.