Eritrea 6 Day Itinerary

Eritrea 6-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Asmara (Arrival & City Exploration)

  • Arrive at Asmera International Airport.
  • Check in at your hotel and freshen up.
  • Visit the Fascist Era Architecture, including the Italo-Eritrean War Memorial, Orphanage of the Infant Jesus, and the Churches of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima and St. Michael’s.
  • Explore the Mercato Harnet Avril for local goods and food.
  • Dinner at a traditional Eritrean restaurant like Pizza Asmara.
  • Note: Asmara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique modernist architecture.

Day 2: Asmara (Continued Exploration & National Museum)

  • Morning visit to the National Museum of Eritrea to learn about the country’s history and culture.
  • Afternoon visit to the Catholic Cathedral, Mariam Dearit Church, and Meskhek Kebir Mosque.
  • Experience a traditional Eritrean coffee ceremony at a local café.
  • Evening stroll around the city center and enjoy local music at one of Asmara’s many bars.

Day 3: Keren

  • Travel to Keren (~2 hours by car).
  • Visit the Keren National Museum to learn about the Battle of Keren during the Eritrean War of Independence.
  • Explore the Mai-Mne, a natural spring with beautiful landscapes.
  • In the evening, relax and enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant in Keren.

Day 4: Massawa

  • Travel to Massawa (~6 hours by car).
  • Visit the Port of Massawa, one of Africa’s oldest ports and a significant historical site.
  • Explore the Massawa Fortress and the Gulf of Zula.
  • Enjoy a swim at the beautiful beaches in Massawa.
  • Dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Day 5: Halhal Salt Mines & Dahlak Archipelago

  • Day trip to the Halhal Salt Mines (~2 hours by car). Witness the traditional salt mining process.
  • Return to Massawa and travel to the Dahlak Archipelago (boat ride ~1 hour).
  • Snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing in this beautiful island chain.
  • Return to Massawa in the evening.

Day 6: Departure

  • Spend the morning at leisure, shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at a local café.
  • Transfer to Asmara International Airport for your departure flight.

Visa Requirements:

  • All visitors must have a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of arrival.
  • Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival at Asmara International Airport, and it’s recommended to check the latest requirements before your trip.

Transportation:

  • Domestic travel is mostly by car, minibus, or shared taxis. Boat rides are available for trips to Massawa and Dahlak Archipelago.

Safety Tips:

  • Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.
  • Respect local customs and traditions to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Currency:

  • The official currency is the Nakfa (ERN). Major currencies like USD can be exchanged at banks or exchange offices.