Travel House International - Eritrea

TRAVEL GUIDE

general informations

All foreign nationals, except citizens of Kenya, Uganda require entry visa to Eritrea. This can be obtained before entering Asmara from the Eritrean diplomatic mission, or upon arrival at the airport or at either of the two ports, Massawa and Assab. Upon arriving in Asmara, visitors must complete an immigration card.
Visas can normally be extended, depending on circumstances.

Getting There
By Air
Eritrean, Lufthansa, Yemenia, Egypt Air, Sudan Airways, Regional Air, Saudi fly scheduled services to Asmara.
By Land
It is possible to enter Eritrea from Djibouti.
By sea
Eritrea has two main ports, Massawa and Assab, both on the Red Sea, but there are no scheduled passenger services.
Getting Around
Most people travel by Spartan and utilitarian bus. Service extend to all regions of Eritrea, with journey times varying from one to five, scheduled travel can be maintained through Travel House International on rental.
Airport
The main Airport is Asmara Airport, just six kilometers from the center of the capital. An additional airport is being constructed in Massawa. Domestic services fly to Assab.
Airport Tax
When leaving Eritrea, every passenger is charged a departure tax of USD$ 20.00, or EU 20.00
Banking
There are branches of local commercial banks at Asmara Airport in and in major cities and many towns.
Commercial Hours
Monday – Friday
0800 - 1200
1400 - 1700
Government Office Hours
Monday- Friday
0700-1200
1400-1800
Capital
The capital city is Asmara, which is made up of four sub-regions.
Climate
Eritrea can be divided into three major climatic zones. In the central highlands, the hottest month is May; winter is between December and February, when lows can be near freezing point at night. The coastal region is extremely hot from June to September, with daily temperatures ranging from 40-50oC, winter temperatures range from 21-35oC and there is rain during the winter months. In the western lowlands, the high temperatures in the hottest months, April to June, are comparable to those at the coast: December is the coldest month.
Communications
Telephone, telex and/or fax facilities are available in most main towns. The International Direct Dialing (IDD) code for Eritrea is 291.
Currency
The local currency is the Eritrean Nakfa, made up of 100 cents. The exchange rate is reviewed daily and therefore varies. A declaration of foreign currency is not required on arrival. The Commercial Bank of Eritrea, with its main office located near the High Court (Asmara), provides exchange services for both in cash and traveler’s checks. There are also private foreign exchange offices through out the city. Although
all currencies will be exchanged for nakfa, the US dollar is for convenience preferable.
Customs
Personal computers, videos and other electronic items that could be sold in Eritrea at a profit are required to be registered to Customs on arrival and signed out on departure. Personal affects are admitted free, and a duty free allowance of one-liter alcohol, 200 cigarettes and a half-liter of perfume are permitted. Cameras, computers and major electrical items should be declared on arrival. Sporting firearms will require an import permit. Cars may be imported free of duty for up to four months.
Driving
Eritreans drive to the right. Visitors require a valid international driving license. Car hire (with or without driver) is available in the main city centers.
Economy
Most of the population lives a subsistence lifestyle. Eritrea has enjoyed periods of great economic development in the past hundred years but constraints of resources and expertise are two key problems to sort out. Eritreans are industrious and determined to rebuild the country.
Electricity
Most homes in Eritrea have lines for both 110 and 220 volts with 50 hertz or cycles. These lines have different outlets and should be marked accordingly.
Geography
The three main geographical zones are the eastern slopes and coastal plains, the highlands and the western lowlands. Most of the eastern slopes and coastal plains are desert and semi-desert, with fertile agricultural area north and west of Ghindae. This area is mostly inhabited by pastoralists. The central highlands are densely populated and intensively cultivated by settled farming communities. The western lowlands begin
in Keren and extend westwards to the border with Sudan. They are watered by seasonal Barka and Gash river system.
Health
Malaria is endemic, so consult your doctor for an effective and non-resistant prophylactic which you should start taking at least four weeks before you visit and continue taking until two weeks after your return home.
Medical care is limited. Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation, is advisable. Immunizations are advisable against yellow fever, polio, typhoid and tetanus. Hepatitis A immunization with the Harvey vaccine is also advisable; although extensive, it offers 10 years’ protection against debilitating disease.
Hotels
The many hotels and pensions in Asmara cater to every price range and level of comfort. In Asmara 5 star hotel, the Inter-Continental Hotel is available. Others Hamasien, Amba-Soira and the Sunshine hotels also give good accommodation services. In Massawa, Red Sea Hotel, Dahlak Hotel and Gurgussum Beach Hotel provide good accommodation services. It is advisable to make your hotel reservations in advance,
especially during the summer months and during week around Christmas.
Land
Eritrea is as large as England, with an area of more than 46,000 square miles. This includes more than 350 islands off the coast, of which some 210 comprise the area of Dahlak Archipelago. The coastline extends for about 1,200 kilometers (670 Miles). It is bordered by the Sudan to the north and west, and by Ethiopia and Djibouti to the south.
Language
Tigrigna and Arabic are the working languages. English and Italian are widely spoken and Amharic is widely understood.
Location
Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa, between latitudes 12o and 18o north. It is a mixture of rugged mountainous uplands and arid desert, covering about 125,000Km2. It is surrounded by Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti, and has a Red Sea coastline.
Medical Facilities
Doctors and dentists are scarce in many areas of the country, although hospitals are located in the main towns. Visitors should bring sufficient supplies of any drugs they need regularly. All visitors should be in possession of valid vaccination certificates against yellow fever, hepatitis and cholera. Malaria precautions should be taken before visiting the lowlands.
People
The population is estimated to at 4 million. Eighty five percent live rural areas; 30 percent lead a pastoral way of life.
Photography
Photographs should not be taken of any military or strategic buildings, including the airport. Before photographing any person, religious festival or rural homestead, it is courteous to ask permission. While film is available in many towns’ visitors should bring their own slide film.
Religions
The population is equally divided between Christian and Muslim religions. The population of the high plateau is predominantly Christian, whereas those populations of the lowlands and the coast are predominantly Muslim.
Services
The Asmara post office is located two blocks of the main street, adjacent to Harnet Avenue. It is open Monday to Saturday, half day on Sundays. Fax messages can be sent and received at the telecommunications office, which is located on Harnet Avenue, in Asmara.
Time
Eritrea is + 3 GMT. The Eritrean traditional Julian calendar is still current.
Traditional Courtesies
While Eritreans are well aware of the form in other countries, they tend to be conservative at home. A handshake greeting is normal, with a pleasant discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. The offer of tea or coffee is normal. Smoking is not popular amongst traditional or elderly people. Shoes are often taken off before entering churches, and always before entering mosques.

some useful DO's and DONT's for visitors within Eritrea

DO ENJOY your stay in Eritrea starting with Asmara. Enjoy the climate, the honesty, the security, the cleanliness, the city attractions, the cafes, the national sense of purpose and the excellent value for money. Always remember, however, that history here has been a hard one and while some situations may seem strange to you, your presence here can also be unsettling. Below are some courtesies for a happy visit.
DO NOT photograph military installations, vehicles or soldiers ever, ever.
DO take other photos with the usual discretion, but no " in-your-face" photos please! To welcome visitors, Eritreans are learning that " A smile for the camera is a smile for Eritrea”. Best photo times are large gatherings, weddings, and festivals.
Photos of the President's Office are permitted at a distance but entry is by authorization only. The same applies to other government buildings.
DO show your generosity if you wish by making DONATIONS, to concerned offices. They are all secure and used as designated.
DO NOT give money to children or beggars, ever. Their numbers increase proportionally to what is given and can change the "hassle free" situation in Asmara to one of tedious pestering. Agencies are in place to take care of destitution and it is they, which use donations best.
DO keep your possessions secure and out of sight, making sure that your money is not visible to avoid temptations.
DO take care of your food and drinks as ASMARINOS do themselves. Potable water in the plans but no on tap at this time.
DO enjoy your encounters with a very friendly people, many of whom speak excellent English recognize the economic hardship, anxiety about sovereignty and viable political development is inherent in daily life. As a visitor you may get anxious about some of these issues but it is wise to
remember that your visit is a visit and that Eritreans have a track record of dealing with their own challenges.

KEEP SMILING……………

tourist attractions and places of interest in Eritrea

A number of places are chosen as destination in the following itineraries. These places are carefully selected on the basis of their cultural, historical and archaeological values. Some of the places incorporated on these tours are briefly described below, so that our visitors could get a bird’s eye view on what is on the offer.

ASMARA With a perfect climate, remarkable architecture and spotless, safe streets, Asmara ranks among the most pleasant capitals on African continent. Italian colonizers between 1890 and 1940 built the capital. It is situated on the highland and is 2300 meters above sea level. Amongst other things, the Coptic Church of Saint Mary, the Catholic Cathedral, the Grand Mosque, the war and ethnographic museum, the tanks and armors graveyard, the Medeber and handicraftsmen are some places to visit.

MASSAWA Massawa is one of the two ports in Eritrea, situated along the coastal areas of the Red Sea. The beach, which is clear, clean and unpolluted, has over the years attracted more tourists. Any one who can witness why Massawa had gained the title of “ the pearl of the Red Sea” based from the remnants of the ruined and existing buildings.

KEREN It is 1400 meters above sea level and is situated 91 km west from the capital. Its moderate climate has made it the land of fruits. The fruit plantation is visible on the way at Elaberet. Mariam D’Arit inside a bao bab tree, Mariam Tinkulihas on a long stand, the British and Italian cemeteries are some of the places to be visited. The market and traditional products made up of palm tree and leaves show Eritrean Society industrious
capacity. The silver products are common in the market and are affordable.

DANKALIA Dankalia is the name of the inhospitable volcanic and rock desert that stretches from the Red Sea far into Ethiopia and, in Eritrea, separates Massawa from Assab. As the crow flies the distance from Massawa to Assab through this territory is about 500 km: the boarder with Ethiopia is seldom more than 60 Km inland from the Red Sea. Dankalia is a home to the infamous tribal group, the Afars ( of whom the Danakil are just one sub-group), whose reputation for ferocity is legendary. While there are a number of accounts from the expeditions of the Portuguese Jerome Lobo ( 1624), Fr. Giuseppe Sapeto (1851), Munzinger (1867 and 1875), Pastori (1906), Nesbitt(1928), Franchetti(1928), and Thesiger (1930), many others did not live to tell the tale.

FILFIL Filfil is 1500 meters above sea level and 75 km away from the capital. It is covered by indigenous forest and is green throughout the year. The scenic view with fresh air, peaceful area with wonderful landscape and coffee plantation will add up to your recreational satisfaction.

SENAFE The name was supposed to be derived from Arabic language “SENA & FEE” meaning here is Senna. Legend goes an Arab traveler who lost his way to SANAA climbs a mountain near the town of Senafe (Mount Metera) and points to the lower area to express that it has found Sanaa. The surrounding regions are well known for their archaeological sites some of these are:

- KOHAITO: which is 2600 above sea level and 121 km south of Asmara. As legends say, it was built during the time of Queen Sheba; approximately 750 B.C. the historical relics include an engraved stele 4-5 meters high, and buildings of Axumite period.

- KESKESE : legendary says this was one of the biggest towns during the Axumite Kingdom. It is situated 128 km from the capital.

- BELEW KELEW : The ruined houses in this historical place is legendarily believed to be a residential for the kings. The underground gate there also adds up to the legendary belief that, there is a tunnel that runs up to Axum through which the kings were moving.

BARENTU 980 meters above sea level is the heartland of the Kunama people one of the most fascinating of Eritrean Nationalities. Barentu is also the capital of Gash Barka Region. Barentu serves three main purposes, it is a small market for the local Kunama, it is the sight of military camp ( on the top of the hill it sits on), and it provides a stopover for busses on their way to and from the west; many local travelers stay overnight here.

DEKEMHARE A small town built by the Italians was planned to be the industrial capital of Eritrea. It was a favorite settlement of the Italians and by all account was a beautiful town. The Red Sea biscuit factory is one of the traces of the high level of Agro- Industrial development found on this place.

MENDEFERA – [ADI-URGI] The capital of the southern region, is a bustling market town. Reflecting the old rivalry, the town is dominated by two churches , the orthodox Saint George and the Catholic School, situated on hills opposite to one another. Mendefera’s name derives from the high hill around which the town grew up, meaning ‘ no one dared’ it is a reference to the fierce resistance put up by the local people against Italian Colonialism. It is a convenient stop-off point on your way to the south or west.

AFABET It is best known for the battle which took place in and around the town, and which was the decisive confrontation of the entire thirty-year war. Around the town, you can still see the square shaped trenches of Ethiopian soldiers, at 11 Km away on the road to Nakfa, you can see the valley of Adishrum, the lead tank of the Ethiopians fleeing south after the EPLF broke out of Nakfa in 1988 was knocked out, preventing those behind it from proceeding to Afabet, the Ethiopians, fearing the capture of huge quantity of hardware, called an air strike on their own forces tapped in the valley. Despite this some 70 vehicles were taken intact.

NAKFA Lying some 221 km from Asmara, at 1780 m above sea level, Nakfa became the EPLF’s center of resistance. The town lies in a shallow dish at the edge of a mountain ridge that drops several thousand feet to the plain below, with a little exploration, the town’s extraordinary history soon shows itself. Nakfa is a fascinating place, even for those who are not normally military minded. An incredible-and living – memorial to human endurance and courage. Your interest in the town will really please the locals who are among the friendliest and most hospitable people in Eritrea.

Eritrea at a glance

Population: 3.6- 4 million
Area: 124,300 sq. km.
Form of Government: Constitutional Republic
Current President: Mr. Isaias Afrwerki
Capital & largest city: Asmara (391.000)
Main Sea Ports: Massawa, Assab
International Airports: Asmara, Massawa, Assab
Other Major Towns: Keren, Dekemhare, Mendefera
Main Working Language: Tigrigna, Arabic, English
Other Languages: Afar, Bilen, Hedareb, Kunama, Nara, Saho, Tigre
Major religions: Islam, Orthodox Christianity
Literacy Rate: 53%
Red Sea Coastline: 1,151 Kms
Highest Point: Ambasoira, 3,013m.
Lowest Point: Kobar Sink, -75m.
Coordinates: 15 00N, 39 00 E
Monetary Unit: 1 Nakfa = 100 cents
GDP (2000): USD 596 Million
Agriculture: Cereals, edible oils, lentils, vegetables, cut flowers, cotton, coffee, sisal, livestock, and fish.
Industries Food processing, beverages, leather products, clothing and textiles.
Mineral Resources Salt, gold & silver, potash, zinc, copper, lead, iron ore, granite, marble, limestone.
Main Trading Partners: Sudan, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, UAE, USA, Germany
Railways: 117 km.
Roads: 6,990 km. Total 874 km. Paved.
Telephone lines (2000): 30,554 (120 people for1 Telephone Line)
Radio Station: 2 AM, 1FM, 2 short-wave
TV Stations: 1
Internet Service Providers: 4
Internet Domain: .er
Time Zone: GMT +3
International Dialing Code: ++291
Flag: The flag’s colors are green, red and blue. A gold laurel wreath and olive branch running up its center in positional in the Red portion, which is the dominant color.
Emblem: The camel encircles by Olive Wreath.
Climate Eritrea comprises three main geographical and climatic zones:
1. The Eastern Slope and Coastal Plains
2. The central Highland
3. The Western Lowlands
There are two raining seasons. The short rain in March and April. The longer rains from late June through early September

History: From 1557 the Massawa coastal area was under the rule of Ottoman Turkey until Egyptian took possession in 1865. In 1885 the Italian consolidated their control as far as the banks of the Mereb River, the traditional boundary line between Eritrea and Ethiopia to the south. Eritrea remained as an Italian colony until the Allies Forces under the leadership of the British Army defeated the Italians in 1942. Eritrea remained under the British Military Administration till 1952. In 1952 the UN decreed that Eritrea to be federated with Ethiopia, but to remain as autonomous unit. In 1962 Ethiopia dissolved the Eritrean Parliament and the Federation declaring Eritrea is one of Ethiopia’s provinces. This caused the beginning of armed struggle for independence, which ended in 1991 after 30 years of bitter struggle. The referendum was done in April 1993 and by 99.8% the people voted “YES” for an independent Eritrea. Eritrea then became the 183rd sovereign country and a member of the UN.


TRAVEL GUIDE general informations All foreign nationals, except citizens of Kenya, Uganda require entry visa to Eritrea. This can be obtained before entering Asmara from the Eritrean diplomatic mission, or upon arrival at the airport or at either of the two ports, Massawa and Assab. Upon arriving in Asmara, visitors must complete an immigration card. Visas can normally be extended, depending on circumstances. Getting There By Air Eritrean, Lufthansa, Yemenia, Egypt Air, Sudan Airways, Regional Air, Saudi fly scheduled services to Asmara. By Land It is possible to enter Eritrea from Djibouti. By sea Eritrea has two main ports, Massawa and Assab, both on the Red Sea, but there are no scheduled passenger services. Getting Around Most people travel by Spartan and utilitarian bus. Service extend to all regions of Eritrea, with journey times varying from one to five, scheduled travel can be maintained through Travel House International on rental. Airport The main Airport is Asmara Airport, just six kilometers from the center of the capital. An additional airport is being constructed in Massawa. Domestic services fly to Assab. Airport Tax When leaving Eritrea, every passenger is charged a departure tax of USD$ 20.00, or EU 20.00 Banking There are branches of local commercial banks at Asmara Airport in and in major cities and many towns. Commercial Hours Monday – Friday 0800 - 1200 1400 - 1700 Government Office Hours Monday- Friday 0700-1200 1400-1800 Capital The capital city is Asmara, which is made up of four sub-regions. Climate Eritrea can be divided into three major climatic zones. In the central highlands, the hottest month is May; winter is between December and February, when lows can be near freezing point at night. The coastal region is extremely hot from June to September, with daily temperatures ranging from 40-50oC, winter temperatures range from 21-35oC and there is rain during the winter months. In the western lowlands, the high temperatures in the hottest months, April to June, are comparable to those at the coast: December is the coldest month. Communications Telephone, telex and/or fax facilities are available in most main towns. The International Direct Dialing (IDD) code for Eritrea is 291. Currency The local currency is the Eritrean Nakfa, made up of 100 cents. The exchange rate is reviewed daily and therefore varies. A declaration of foreign currency is not required on arrival. The Commercial Bank of Eritrea, with its main office located near the High Court (Asmara), provides exchange services for both in cash and traveler’s checks. There are also private foreign exchange offices through out the city. Although all currencies will be exchanged for nakfa, the US dollar is for convenience preferable. Customs Personal computers, videos and other electronic items that could be sold in Eritrea at a profit are required to be registered to Customs on arrival and signed out on departure. Personal affects are admitted free, and a duty free allowance of one-liter alcohol, 200 cigarettes and a half-liter of perfume are permitted. Cameras, computers and major electrical items should be declared on arrival. Sporting firearms will require an import permit. Cars may be imported free of duty for up to four months. Driving Eritreans drive to the right. Visitors require a valid international driving license. Car hire (with or without driver) is available in the main city centers. Economy Most of the population lives a subsistence lifestyle. Eritrea has enjoyed periods of great economic development in the past hundred years but constraints of resources and expertise are two key problems to sort out. Eritreans are industrious and determined to rebuild the country. Electricity Most homes in Eritrea have lines for both 110 and 220 volts with 50 hertz or cycles. These lines have different outlets and should be marked accordingly. Geography The three main geographical zones are the eastern slopes and coastal plains, the highlands and the western lowlands. Most of the eastern slopes and coastal plains are desert and semi-desert, with fertile agricultural area north and west of Ghindae. This area is mostly inhabited by pastoralists. The central highlands are densely populated and intensively cultivated by settled farming communities. The western lowlands begin in Keren and extend westwards to the border with Sudan. They are watered by seasonal Barka and Gash river system. Health Malaria is endemic, so consult your doctor for an effective and non-resistant prophylactic which you should start taking at least four weeks before you visit and continue taking until two weeks after your return home. Medical care is limited. Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation, is advisable. Immunizations are advisable against yellow fever, polio, typhoid and tetanus. Hepatitis A immunization with the Harvey vaccine is also advisable; although extensive, it offers 10 years’ protection against debilitating disease. Hotels The many hotels and pensions in Asmara cater to every price range and level of comfort. In Asmara 5 star hotel, the Inter-Continental Hotel is available. Others Hamasien, Amba-Soira and the Sunshine hotels also give good accommodation services. In Massawa, Red Sea Hotel, Dahlak Hotel and Gurgussum Beach Hotel provide good accommodation services. It is advisable to make your hotel reservations in advance, especially during the summer months and during week around Christmas. Land Eritrea is as large as England, with an area of more than 46,000 square miles. This includes more than 350 islands off the coast, of which some 210 comprise the area of Dahlak Archipelago. The coastline extends for about 1,200 kilometers (670 Miles). It is bordered by the Sudan to the north and west, and by Ethiopia and Djibouti to the south. Language Tigrigna and Arabic are the working languages. English and Italian are widely spoken and Amharic is widely understood. Location Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa, between latitudes 12o and 18o north. It is a mixture of rugged mountainous uplands and arid desert, covering about 125,000Km2. It is surrounded by Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti, and has a Red Sea coastline. Medical Facilities Doctors and dentists are scarce in many areas of the country, although hospitals are located in the main towns. Visitors should bring sufficient supplies of any drugs they need regularly. All visitors should be in possession of valid vaccination certificates against yellow fever, hepatitis and cholera. Malaria precautions should be taken before visiting the lowlands. People The population is estimated to at 4 million. Eighty five percent live rural areas; 30 percent lead a pastoral way of life. Photography Photographs should not be taken of any military or strategic buildings, including the airport. Before photographing any person, religious festival or rural homestead, it is courteous to ask permission. While film is available in many towns’ visitors should bring their own slide film. Religions The population is equally divided between Christian and Muslim religions. The population of the high plateau is predominantly Christian, whereas those populations of the lowlands and the coast are predominantly Muslim. Services The Asmara post office is located two blocks of the main street, adjacent to Harnet Avenue. It is open Monday to Saturday, half day on Sundays. Fax messages can be sent and received at the telecommunications office, which is located on Harnet Avenue, in Asmara. Time Eritrea is + 3 GMT. The Eritrean traditional Julian calendar is still current. Traditional Courtesies While Eritreans are well aware of the form in other countries, they tend to be conservative at home. A handshake greeting is normal, with a pleasant discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. The offer of tea or coffee is normal. Smoking is not popular amongst traditional or elderly people. Shoes are often taken off before entering churches, and always before entering mosques. some useful DO's and DONT's for visitors within Eritrea DO ENJOY your stay in Eritrea starting with Asmara. Enjoy the climate, the honesty, the security, the cleanliness, the city attractions, the cafes, the national sense of purpose and the excellent value for money. Always remember, however, that history here has been a hard one and while some situations may seem strange to you, your presence here can also be unsettling. Below are some courtesies for a happy visit. DO NOT photograph military installations, vehicles or soldiers ever, ever. DO take other photos with the usual discretion, but no " in-your-face" photos please! To welcome visitors, Eritreans are learning that " A smile for the camera is a smile for Eritrea”. Best photo times are large gatherings, weddings, and festivals. Photos of the President's Office are permitted at a distance but entry is by authorization only. The same applies to other government buildings. DO show your generosity if you wish by making DONATIONS, to concerned offices. They are all secure and used as designated. DO NOT give money to children or beggars, ever. Their numbers increase proportionally to what is given and can change the "hassle free" situation in Asmara to one of tedious pestering. Agencies are in place to take care of destitution and it is they, which use donations best. DO keep your possessions secure and out of sight, making sure that your money is not visible to avoid temptations. DO take care of your food and drinks as ASMARINOS do themselves. Potable water in the plans but no on tap at this time. DO enjoy your encounters with a very friendly people, many of whom speak excellent English recognize the economic hardship, anxiety about sovereignty and viable political development is inherent in daily life. As a visitor you may get anxious about some of these issues but it is wise to remember that your visit is a visit and that Eritreans have a track record of dealing with their own challenges. KEEP SMILING…………… tourist attractions and places of interest in Eritrea A number of places are chosen as destination in the following itineraries. These places are carefully selected on the basis of their cultural, historical and archaeological values. Some of the places incorporated on these tours are briefly described below, so that our visitors could get a bird’s eye view on what is on the offer. ASMARA With a perfect climate, remarkable architecture and spotless, safe streets, Asmara ranks among the most pleasant capitals on African continent. Italian colonizers between 1890 and 1940 built the capital. It is situated on the highland and is 2300 meters above sea level. Amongst other things, the Coptic Church of Saint Mary, the Catholic Cathedral, the Grand Mosque, the war and ethnographic museum, the tanks and armors graveyard, the Medeber and handicraftsmen are some places to visit. MASSAWA Massawa is one of the two ports in Eritrea, situated along the coastal areas of the Red Sea. The beach, which is clear, clean and unpolluted, has over the years attracted more tourists. Any one who can witness why Massawa had gained the title of “ the pearl of the Red Sea” based from the remnants of the ruined and existing buildings. KEREN It is 1400 meters above sea level and is situated 91 km west from the capital. Its moderate climate has made it the land of fruits. The fruit plantation is visible on the way at Elaberet. Mariam D’Arit inside a bao bab tree, Mariam Tinkulihas on a long stand, the British and Italian cemeteries are some of the places to be visited. The market and traditional products made up of palm tree and leaves show Eritrean Society industrious capacity. The silver products are common in the market and are affordable. DANKALIA Dankalia is the name of the inhospitable volcanic and rock desert that stretches from the Red Sea far into Ethiopia and, in Eritrea, separates Massawa from Assab. As the crow flies the distance from Massawa to Assab through this territory is about 500 km: the boarder with Ethiopia is seldom more than 60 Km inland from the Red Sea. Dankalia is a home to the infamous tribal group, the Afars ( of whom the Danakil are just one sub-group), whose reputation for ferocity is legendary. While there are a number of accounts from the expeditions of the Portuguese Jerome Lobo ( 1624), Fr. Giuseppe Sapeto (1851), Munzinger (1867 and 1875), Pastori (1906), Nesbitt(1928), Franchetti(1928), and Thesiger (1930), many others did not live to tell the tale. FILFIL Filfil is 1500 meters above sea level and 75 km away from the capital. It is covered by indigenous forest and is green throughout the year. The scenic view with fresh air, peaceful area with wonderful landscape and coffee plantation will add up to your recreational satisfaction. SENAFE The name was supposed to be derived from Arabic language “SENA & FEE” meaning here is Senna. Legend goes an Arab traveler who lost his way to SANAA climbs a mountain near the town of Senafe (Mount Metera) and points to the lower area to express that it has found Sanaa. The surrounding regions are well known for their archaeological sites some of these are: - KOHAITO: which is 2600 above sea level and 121 km south of Asmara. As legends say, it was built during the time of Queen Sheba; approximately 750 B.C. the historical relics include an engraved stele 4-5 meters high, and buildings of Axumite period. - KESKESE : legendary says this was one of the biggest towns during the Axumite Kingdom. It is situated 128 km from the capital. - BELEW KELEW : The ruined houses in this historical place is legendarily believed to be a residential for the kings. The underground gate there also adds up to the legendary belief that, there is a tunnel that runs up to Axum through which the kings were moving. BARENTU 980 meters above sea level is the heartland of the Kunama people one of the most fascinating of Eritrean Nationalities. Barentu is also the capital of Gash Barka Region. Barentu serves three main purposes, it is a small market for the local Kunama, it is the sight of military camp ( on the top of the hill it sits on), and it provides a stopover for busses on their way to and from the west; many local travelers stay overnight here. DEKEMHARE A small town built by the Italians was planned to be the industrial capital of Eritrea. It was a favorite settlement of the Italians and by all account was a beautiful town. The Red Sea biscuit factory is one of the traces of the high level of Agro- Industrial development found on this place. MENDEFERA – [ADI-URGI] The capital of the southern region, is a bustling market town. Reflecting the old rivalry, the town is dominated by two churches , the orthodox Saint George and the Catholic School, situated on hills opposite to one another. Mendefera’s name derives from the high hill around which the town grew up, meaning ‘ no one dared’ it is a reference to the fierce resistance put up by the local people against Italian Colonialism. It is a convenient stop-off point on your way to the south or west. AFABET It is best known for the battle which took place in and around the town, and which was the decisive confrontation of the entire thirty-year war. Around the town, you can still see the square shaped trenches of Ethiopian soldiers, at 11 Km away on the road to Nakfa, you can see the valley of Adishrum, the lead tank of the Ethiopians fleeing south after the EPLF broke out of Nakfa in 1988 was knocked out, preventing those behind it from proceeding to Afabet, the Ethiopians, fearing the capture of huge quantity of hardware, called an air strike on their own forces tapped in the valley. Despite this some 70 vehicles were taken intact. NAKFA Lying some 221 km from Asmara, at 1780 m above sea level, Nakfa became the EPLF’s center of resistance. The town lies in a shallow dish at the edge of a mountain ridge that drops several thousand feet to the plain below, with a little exploration, the town’s extraordinary history soon shows itself. Nakfa is a fascinating place, even for those who are not normally military minded. An incredible-and living – memorial to human endurance and courage. Your interest in the town will really please the locals who are among the friendliest and most hospitable people in Eritrea. Eritrea at a glance Population: 3.6- 4 million Area: 124,300 sq. km. Form of Government: Constitutional Republic Current President: Mr. Isaias Afrwerki Capital & largest city: Asmara (391.000) Main Sea Ports: Massawa, Assab International Airports: Asmara, Massawa, Assab Other Major Towns: Keren, Dekemhare, Mendefera Main Working Language: Tigrigna, Arabic, English Other Languages: Afar, Bilen, Hedareb, Kunama, Nara, Saho, Tigre Major religions: Islam, Orthodox Christianity Literacy Rate: 53% Red Sea Coastline: 1,151 Kms Highest Point: Ambasoira, 3,013m. Lowest Point: Kobar Sink, -75m. Coordinates: 15 00N, 39 00 E Monetary Unit: 1 Nakfa = 100 cents GDP (2000): USD 596 Million Agriculture: Cereals, edible oils, lentils, vegetables, cut flowers, cotton, coffee, sisal, livestock, and fish. Industries Food processing, beverages, leather products, clothing and textiles. Mineral Resources Salt, gold & silver, potash, zinc, copper, lead, iron ore, granite, marble, limestone. Main Trading Partners: Sudan, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, UAE, USA, Germany Railways: 117 km. Roads: 6,990 km. Total 874 km. Paved. Telephone lines (2000): 30,554 (120 people for1 Telephone Line) Radio Station: 2 AM, 1FM, 2 short-wave TV Stations: 1 Internet Service Providers: 4 Internet Domain: .er Time Zone: GMT +3 International Dialing Code: ++291 Flag: The flag’s colors are green, red and blue. A gold laurel wreath and olive branch running up its center in positional in the Red portion, which is the dominant color. Emblem: The camel encircles by Olive Wreath. Climate Eritrea comprises three main geographical and climatic zones: 1. The Eastern Slope and Coastal Plains 2. The central Highland 3. The Western Lowlands There are two raining seasons. The short rain in March and April. The longer rains from late June through early September History: From 1557 the Massawa coastal area was under the rule of Ottoman Turkey until Egyptian took possession in 1865. In 1885 the Italian consolidated their control as far as the banks of the Mereb River, the traditional boundary line between Eritrea and Ethiopia to the south. Eritrea remained as an Italian colony until the Allies Forces under the leadership of the British Army defeated the Italians in 1942. Eritrea remained under the British Military Administration till 1952. In 1952 the UN decreed that Eritrea to be federated with Ethiopia, but to remain as autonomous unit. In 1962 Ethiopia dissolved the Eritrean Parliament and the Federation declaring Eritrea is one of Ethiopia’s provinces. This caused the beginning of armed struggle for independence, which ended in 1991 after 30 years of bitter struggle. The referendum was done in April 1993 and by 99.8% the people voted “YES” for an independent Eritrea. Eritrea then became the 183rd sovereign country and a member of the UN.
Travel News	Photo Gallery	Company Profile	Contacts	Links	Back to Index