Eritrea Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
- Ankitha
- Nov 23, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 2
When you stop looking at travel as “holidays”, the possibilities for REAL stories & experiences are endless. Below you will find my Eritrea travel guide—to a country many people may not have heard of or considered heading to. But if you’re reading this, I hope you consider going. From incredible diving sites to mountainous scenery and the beautiful people, this was yet another amazing adventure we had this year.
Be warned: Eritrea is probably not the easiest place to visit. You need to have a yearning for unfiltered adventures and be okay without hot water or internet in Eritrea for days. This will be an amazing trip but also a total paradox. The Italian architecture in Africa shines in its faded glory, the vegetarian food in Eritrea is sublime, and the coffee is exceptional. But by the end, a touch of sadness tinged our trip. Amidst the ruins, we discovered warmth, beauty, and adventure in abundance.
Itinerary
Asmara – coffee and old town vibes
Drive to Massawa Eritrea, explore city at night
Explore Massawa and island hop for sunset
Back to Asmara Eritrea – tank graveyard and Italian vibes
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Flights + Eritrea Visa Process
You will need to apply for a visa in person at the consulate, wherever you are. You can call ahead and ask for the documents required. We took the usual set: No Objection Certificate, our passports, residence visa, and cash. The Eritrea visa process took about 3 days.
Travel Insurance, Currency & Connectivity
Travel insurance is highly recommended—we have our own, but if you’re looking for one, try World Nomads. Carry local currency for small purchases and tipping. As for internet in Eritrea, this is one of the few countries in the world where you’ll barely find it—even in the capital.
How Long to Spend Here?
If you're into diving or island hopping in Massawa, stay for a week. If not, 4-5 days is a great start.
Where We Stayed
Asmara Eritrea – We stayed at Asmara Palace Hotel. Clean rooms, friendly staff, and good service. Probably the best in town.
Massawa Eritrea – There aren't many options. We stayed at Dahlak Hotel. Working AC and bathroom, okay service. Just take it and run!
Guide + Costs
Most hotels will happily connect you with reputable guides. Expect to spend around $400 per person.
Vegetarian Food in Eritrea
With its strong Italian influence and rich local cuisine, we were delighted by the vegetarian food in Eritrea. Expect pasta, veggie stews, flatbreads, and great macchiatos!
Highlights
Asmara Eritrea
There is little information online about things to do in Eritrea, which is part of its allure. While the world’s attention is focused on Syria, Palestine, or North Korea, we often forget Eritrea—a country with a similar story of struggle. This curiosity drew us here.
Day 1 was all about soaking up old-school vibes. We were surprised by how clean and peaceful Asmara Eritrea was—none of the chaos you find in other African cities.
We saw old opera houses, churches, an abandoned theater, and beautiful Italian architecture in Africa. The city blends European and African aesthetics so gracefully.
We connected with beautiful women in local churches, curious about our journey. It's these human moments that make offbeat African countries so unforgettable.
Massawa Eritrea
After a scenic mountain drive, we arrived in Massawa Eritrea—a ghost town still marked by the brutal war with Ethiopia 30 years ago.
It’s hauntingly beautiful.
The blend of Ottoman and Italian structures reminded me of Stone Town in Zanzibar.
Evenings were spent wandering the streets with barely another soul in sight.
It was safe, strange, and serene.
On our second day, we visited a local museum and then took a boat out to a nearby island. Crystal clear waters, just us, snorkeling under a blazing sun.—this is slow travel at its best.
If you’re wondering is Eritrea safe to visit, the answer is absolutely yes.
Final Day in Asmara
We visited a nearby village, were offered ginger coffee by kind locals, and spoke to the village chief about supporting education for the kids.
These human connections are why we travel.
Later that evening, we randomly met the Italian Ambassador walking his dog in central Asmara Eritrea. The city is shockingly peaceful, clean, and organized—dare I say, cleaner than some towns in Italy itself!
Tank Graveyard Eritrea
This was one of the most unexpected highlights of our Eritrea travel experience. The Tank Graveyard in Asmara is a surreal maze of rusted military vehicles—remnants of the Eritrean struggle for freedom.
Walking through the graveyard, with cactus plants growing out of old tanks, was symbolic and moving.
It’s not just junk. It’s a reminder of resilience and rebirth.
Final Thoughts: Travel to Eritrea from India or Anywhere
“Why go to Eritrea?” “Is it safe?” “What’s there to see?” These were the questions people asked us before the trip. After 30 years of war, Eritrea remains one of the most unique destinations in Africa—isolated, misunderstood, yet filled with incredible people and landscapes.
This isn’t a trip for checklist travelers. It’s for those who crave raw, meaningful adventures in the Horn of Africa. Despite the challenges with the Eritrea visa process, this country left us feeling hopeful, reflective, and incredibly grateful.
Backstory of the final photo: I had a thorn stuck in my pants. No one noticed but the kids we met in a junkyard. “Sister, thorn,” they said, and gently helped me remove it. I don’t usually post portraits, but this moment—kind, honest, and pure—deserves to be shared.
Drop your comments below & show some love.
If you have questions about planning a trip to Eritrea, feel free to email me!
Cheers,
Anki
To explore more African destinations, be sure to check out other blogs for additional insights.
Wayfarer Footprints has captured the imagination of explorers and dreamers across the globe. Our travel journey—filled with immersive adventures, honest insights, and practical tips—has resonated deeply with readers who seek meaning beyond the map. From solo travel stories to offbeat discoveries, we’re proud to have been recognized by both Indian and international media.
Hi Anki. Do you have an approximate budge estimate for this trip except flights, insurance and visa?