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Dekemhare, ኤርትራ Eritrea إرتريا - Things to Do in Dekemhare

Dekemhare

Dekemhare, ኤርትራ Eritrea إرتريا - Complete Travel Guide

Dekemhare is a historic city located in the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of the capital Asmara. Known as one of Eritrea's oldest settlements, the city serves as an important agricultural and commercial center, surrounded by fertile highlands that produce coffee, cereals, and fruits. The area is renowned for its traditional markets, ancient religious sites, and well-preserved colonial-era architecture that reflects the country's Italian colonial period. The city offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Eritrean highland culture, with its bustling weekly markets, traditional coffee ceremonies, and proximity to significant archaeological sites. Dekemhare's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and scenic mountain landscapes. The city maintains a more relaxed pace compared to Asmara while still offering essential amenities for travelers seeking to experience genuine Eritrean hospitality and culture.

Top Dekemhare

Traditional Markets

Visit Dekemhare's busy weekly markets where local farmers and traders sell fresh produce, spices, traditional crafts, and textiles. The markets offer an authentic cultural experience with opportunities to interact with locals and sample traditional foods. The atmosphere is particularly lively on market days when people from surrounding villages come to trade.

Booking Tip: Markets are typically busiest on weekends, especially Saturday mornings. No booking required, but bring small denomination Eritrean nakfa for purchases. Best visited early morning (7-10 AM) for freshest produce and coolest temperatures.

Coffee Plantation Tours

Experience Eritrea's renowned coffee culture by visiting local coffee plantations in the fertile highlands surrounding Dekemhare. Learn about traditional coffee cultivation methods, participate in coffee harvesting (seasonal), and enjoy authentic Ethiopian-style coffee ceremonies. The region produces some of Africa's finest arabica coffee beans.

Booking Tip: Best visited during harvest season (October-December). Contact local guides through hotels or tourism offices, expect to pay 500-800 nakfa per person. Tours include transportation and traditional coffee ceremony.

Historical Architecture Walking Tour

Discover Dekemhare's colonial-era architecture and traditional Eritrean buildings through a self-guided or guided walking tour. The city features well-preserved Italian colonial buildings, traditional highland houses, and historic religious structures that showcase the blend of cultures that have influenced the region.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free, but hiring a local guide (300-500 nakfa) provides valuable historical context. Best done in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

Ancient Monasteries

Explore nearby ancient Orthodox monasteries and churches that date back centuries, offering insight into Eritrea's rich Christian heritage. These sites feature traditional architecture, ancient manuscripts, and impressive highland views. Some monasteries are still active with resident monks who welcome respectful visitors.

Booking Tip: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering religious buildings. Small donations (50-100 nakfa) are appreciated. Best visited with a local guide who can arrange permissions and provide cultural context.

Highland Village Excursions

Take day trips to traditional highland villages surrounding Dekemhare to experience rural Eritrean life. Visit farming communities, observe traditional agricultural practices, and enjoy hospitality of local families. These excursions offer opportunities to see terraced farming, traditional houses, and impressive mountain scenery.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local tour operators or hotels, typically costs 800-1200 nakfa per person including transport and meals. Best during dry season (October-May). Bring gifts like tea or sugar for host families.

Getting There

Dekemhare is accessible by road from Asmara, approximately 40 kilometers southeast via a well-maintained highway that takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour by car. Public buses run regularly between Asmara and Dekemhare throughout the day, with tickets costing around 20-30 Eritrean nakfa. Private taxis can be hired from Asmara for around 800-1200 nakfa for the journey. The nearest airport is Asmara International Airport, from which visitors need to arrange ground transportation to Dekemhare.

Getting Around

Dekemhare is a compact city that can largely be explored on foot, with most attractions and amenities within walking distance of the city center. Local minibuses and shared taxis (known as 'bajajs') provide inexpensive transportation around the city and to nearby villages for 5-15 nakfa per ride. Bicycle rentals may be available through some hotels or local shops. For excursions to surrounding areas, hiring a private car with driver is recommended and can be arranged through hotels or local tour operators for approximately 1000-1500 nakfa per day.

Where to Stay

City Center
Market District
Highland View Area
Agricultural Quarter
Colonial District
Monastery Road

Food & Dining

Dekemhare's dining scene centers around traditional Eritrean cuisine served in local restaurants and family-run establishments. The city is famous for its injera (spongy flatbread) served with various stews including zigni (spicy beef) and vegetarian dishes during Orthodox fasting periods. Local restaurants offer authentic highland specialties, fresh coffee, and traditional honey wine (tej). Street food vendors sell roasted barley, fresh fruits, and traditional snacks. Most restaurants are budget-friendly with meals costing 50-150 nakfa, and many offer the traditional coffee ceremony as part of the dining experience.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Eritrea

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Tanuki River Landing

4.9 /5
(4115 reviews) 2

Izakaya Nana

4.6 /5
(1923 reviews) 2
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Ginya Izakaya

4.5 /5
(1753 reviews) 2
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Inakaya Japanese Restaurant

4.6 /5
(1590 reviews) 2

Su Shin Izakaya

4.8 /5
(1186 reviews) 2

Maneki Restaurant

4.6 /5
(1068 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Dekemhare is during the dry season from October to May when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal. The highland location provides a moderate climate year-round, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). The coffee harvest season (October-December) is particularly interesting for visitors wanting to experience traditional coffee culture. The rainy season (June-September) can make rural roads challenging but brings lush green landscapes. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times for outdoor activities and sightseeing throughout the year.

Insider Tips

Learn basic greetings in Tigrinya language - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it enhances cultural interactions
Participate in traditional coffee ceremonies when invited - it's considered rude to decline and these ceremonies are central to Eritrean social culture
Bring cash in small denominations as credit cards are not widely accepted and ATMs may be limited outside the main commercial areas

Activities in Dekemhare