Once a dangerous place for travel, Eritrea, ancient land of Africa, has won its independence and is rebuilding rapidly into a tourist destination. Asmara is one of the safest capitals in Africa, while the Dahlak Archipelago offers some of the best coral diving an ecotourist could hope for.

Eritrea is located in East Africa, more specifically the Horn of Africa, and is bordered on the northeast and east by the Red Sea. The country is virtually bisected by one of the world’s longest mountain ranges, the Great Rift Valley, with fertile lands to the west and the descent to desert in the East.

Off the sandy and arid coastline is situated the Dahlak Archipelago and its fishing grounds. The land to the south, in the highlands, is slightly drier and cooler. Eritrea at the southern end of the Red Sea is the home of the fork in the Great Rift Valley. The highest point of the country, Amba Soira, is located in the centre of Eritrea, at 3 018 metres (9,902 ft) above sea level.

Eritrea inherited the entire coastline of Ethiopia, and therefore has long-term potential for development of tourism and ecotourism in particular. Passports and visas are required and proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required, for travel in Eritrea.

When To Travel to Eritrea:
The best time to go to Eritrea is from October to March. You might also want to time your visit to coincide with one or more of the region’s prime religious festivals, such as Timkat (19 January) or Meskel (27 September). In terms of climate, the worst time to visit Eritrea is June to August, when the rainfall is at its highest in the highlands and the west, and when the eastern lowlands are sun-baked to within an inch of their geographical existence.

This is a truly fascinating country and travelling through Eritrea will give you insight into one of Africa’s newest and least-visited nations. From the Art Deco architecture of Asmara to the bustling market of Keren; the mountainous Italian-era steam train to the faded charms of the Arabic port of Massawa, Eritrea has emerged from it’s troubled recent past to provide a truly different and rewarding destination in a hidden corner of East Africa.

The main cities of the country are:
•  Asmara (Capital)
•  Keren
•  Massawa

Asmamra:
Is set on a high fertile plateau with an almost perfect climate, Asmara, although undeniably African, has also retained its distinctly Italian feel; a very tangible legacy of its colonial days. It remained largely intact following the more recent struggles that have troubled the area and there is a lot to explore; from the amazing Art Deco and Italian architecture, vibrant market, cathedral and mosques, as well as to relax with a cappuccino at one of the many cafes that dot the wide boulevards.

Nefasit Steam Train & Massawa:
You can take unique journey on Eritrea’s famous Italian-era steam train through the mountains between Asmara and Nefasit, covering over 20 tunnels and 65 bridges. Take a dramatic drive down from the highlands to spend time on the coast at the Arabic port of Massawa. Enjoy a stroll among the many white Turkish, Egyptian and Italian buildings and through the maze of narrow alleyways to soak up the atmosphere and maybe sample some the mouth-watering seafood. You should also visit Asmara via Filfil, a hidden pocket of Eritrea’s once abundant tropical forest.

Keren & Debre Sina:
Travelling north through the highlands of Eritrea past steep terraces of coffee and orange groves you will arrive in Keren, set on a plateau surrounded by dusty ochre mountains. One of Eritrea’s most attractive towns, Keren is also the heart of Eritrea’s agricultural community. Visit the lively Monday market, British and Italian War cemeteries and shrine of St. Mariam Dearit, unusually set into a baobab tree! On the way back to Asmara you can go via the 6th century Debre Sina Monastery.

The National Park System of Eritrea is still in its infancy and is developing slowly:

• Dahlak Marine National Park
Dahlak Marine National Park is a protected Eritrea in the central coastal region of Eritrea. The Park is entirely located in the Northern Red Sea Region and includes part of the Dahlak Islands. It is located in the waters of the Northern Red Sea adjoining the Dahlak archipelago (in Eritrea). Right now, the park is flourishing with wildlife because it was abandoned a while back during the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

During the war, the fish there grew to great numbers because there were no people to catch them or swim near them. The national park is well protected now because the government saw a good tourist opportunity. Scuba Diving is now allowed and is led by a group of trained scuba divers who were once freedom fighters. There are more than 350 different types of fish and people can see remains of a shipwreck.

• Semenawi Bahri National Park
Semenawi Bahri National Park has a single asphalted road through it to facilitate transportation. The park is also equipped with recreation centres at Meguo, Medhanit, and Sabur. Semenawi Bahri National park is not well known to tourists internationally or inside Eritrea, however, its sights include rich flora and wildlife, specifically bird-watching.

The Eritrean border with Ethiopia is permanently closed, and passage
between the countries is not possible, while the border with Sudan is
closed intermittently. Government permits are required by anyone
wishing to travel outside Asmara. This can cause delays  in plans for travel in Eritrea.

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