Eritrea 5 Day Itinerary

Eritrea 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Asmara and City Tour

  • Morning: Arrive at Asmara International Airport (ASM)
    • Visa Requirements: Obtain a visa upon arrival ( approx. $50 USD) or apply online prior to travel
    • Currency Exchange: Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) is the local currency; exchange rates are fixed at 1 USD 15 ERN
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Grand Mosque of Hamdan (Al-Khulafa Al-Rashidun)
    • Explore the lively markets, including the Asmara Market and the Grand Mosque Market
    • Admire the Art Deco architecture along Independence Avenue
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Eritrean cuisine at a local restaurant

Day 2: Asmara to Massawa ( approx. 110 km, 3 hours)

  • Morning:
    • Drive to Massawa, a historic port city on the Red Sea coast
    • Visit the Imperial Palace of Massawa, built by the Italian colonizers in 1890
    • Explore the old town’s narrow alleys and traditional architecture
  • Afternoon:
    • Relax at one of Massawa’s beaches, such as Gurgusum or Abdulkadir
    • Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade
  • Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant

Day 3: Massawa to Qohaito (approx. 120 km, 4 hours)

  • Morning:
    • Drive to Qohaito, a historic town in the Anseba region
    • Visit the ancient ruins of Qohaito, dating back to the Aksumite Empire (1st-8th centuries AD)
    • Explore the nearby scenic valleys and villages
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a guided hike through the surrounding hills and forests
    • Enjoy traditional Eritrean coffee and snacks at a local village
  • Evening: Return to Asmara for the night

Day 4: Asmara and Surroundings

  • Morning:
    • Visit the National Museum of Eritrea, showcasing the country’s history and culture
    • Explore the nearby Martyrs’ Cemetery, honoring Eritrean freedom fighters
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a day trip to the nearby village of Tselot (approx. 30 km, 1 hour)
    • Visit the ancient rock-hewn churches of Tselot, dating back to the 6th century AD
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Eritrean music and dance performances

Day 5: Departure from Asmara

  • Morning:
    • Spend a few hours shopping for souvenirs or exploring local markets
    • Visit any last-minute attractions, such as the Eritrean Railway Museum
  • Afternoon: Depart from Asmara International Airport (ASM)

Transportation

  • Taxi: widely available in Asmara and Massawa; negotiate prices beforehand
  • Bus: public buses connect major cities, but services can be unreliable
  • Private Car Hire: recommended for longer trips or group travel

Things to Know

  • Eritrea is a cash-based economy; credit cards are rarely accepted
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or churches
  • Learn some basic Tigrinya phrases to interact with locals
  • Be prepared for limited internet access and occasional power outages

Accommodation

  • Asmara: Hotel Asmara Palace, Hotel Crystal, or similar options
  • Massawa: Hotel Red Sea, Hotel Massawa, or similar options
  • Qohaito: local guesthouses or homestays are available; book in advance

Remember to plan ahead, research thoroughly, and stay informed about local conditions before traveling to Eritrea. Enjoy your trip!