ERITREA

Eritrea stretches along the Red Sea and is a low-lying coastal area with a mountainous interior. The Turkish and Egyptian colonial periods left their legacy in the form of numerous interesting buildings and sites, and the cuisine reflects the period of Italian rule. To the south and west it borders Ethiopia, to the southeast Djibouti and to the northwest Sudan. The low-lying coastal area is very humid. The mountainous interior is largely cultivated.

Climate in Eritrea
Summer months (April to August) can be hot with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (100 ºF) on the western plateau. Although temperatures rarely drop below 18°C (64 ºF) along the coast, winters in the central and western plateau regions (December to February) can be freezing with dramatic temperature differences between day and night. The short rainy season is usually between March to April and a longer one from late June to the beginning of September.
Required Clothing
Lightweight and medium weight clothing is recommended but warm clothes may be needed because the temperature drops at night. An umbrella and raincoat are recommended during the rainy season.

Visas
Required by all nationals except some countries. Other nationals advised to contact the embassy to check the visa requirements. Transit passengers can continue their journey to a third country within six hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport transit lounge.

Note: Since 1 June 2006, all foreign nationals (including resident diplomats) are required to have a travel permit to visit other areas outside Asmara. Visitors intending to travel outside Asmara should be aware that the new restrictions might severely hamper their plans.

Validity
Single-entry tourist and business visas: up to three months. Extensions are possible. Apply on arrival to the Foreign Ministry in Asmara.

ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO IN ERITREA

For a fun filled trip to Eritrea, tourists should have a proper idea of the Things to do in Eritrea. Eritrea is an important nation in eastern Africa and it offers plenty of attractions. The country is known for its scenic beauty and charming atmosphere. By making proper planning of the Things to do in Eritrea, tourists can enjoy to the fullest in the country.

Asmara: Eritrea’s capital and largest city , sits atop (2,350 metres) the Eritrean Highlands on the eastern edge of the escarpment and quite near the Red Sea port of Massawa. The city was made Eritrea’s capital in preference to Massawa in 1897 by Governor Martini, when the country was still an Italian colony. Until the 1880s, when it became an Ethiopian regional administrative centre, Asmara was still a small village.
Today’s Asmara is a big and lively city with about 400.000 people living in it. The magnificent Cathedral (1922), built in the Lombardian style, is not far from a bustling market. Fruit and vegetables, bric-a-brac, spices, used furniture, ceramics, handicrafts and clothes are sold on the stalls. There are a number of churches and mosques which can be visited. Marble from the Italian Carrara quarry was used to build the largest mosque, Khalufa el Rashidin. Gold and silver jewelry is on offer at the nearby market. Palms and colorful bougainvillaea line the main avenues. The National Avenue is the major thoroughfare of the city; an ideal place to meet people and enjoy the numerous cafes and bars. The Avenue is also the address for the Government Administrative Center, the Asmara Theater (built 1918), the Catholic Cathedral and the Town Hall. The former residence of the colonial rulers, the Ghibi or palace, is used today as the National Museum. The University and the Mai Jahjah Fountain are also interesting.

Sightseeing in Eritrea

Dahlak Marine National Park: It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Eritrea. It is a protected wildlife reserve and is located in the central part of the country. The national park is located at the backdrop of the Northern Red Sea Region. The wildlife reserve is a well known place for excursions. It is home to wide species of flora and fauna.

Semenawi Bahri National Park: The Semenawi Bahri National Park is one of the popular tourist attractions in the country. There are provisions for camping in the park. The wildlife reserve is also home to wide species of flora and fauna. Wide range of bird watching tours are undertaken to the wildlife reserve.

The various tourist destinations in the country are popular centers of Eritrea sightseeing. The capital city of Asmara and other provinces are home to popular tourist sites. There are scenic sites and historical and cultural hot spots in these places. Some of the popular tourist destinations where sightseeing trips are undertaken are:

• Asmara

• Assab

• Barentu

• Dekemhare

• Emberemi

• Keren

• Massawa

• Matara

Eritrea is home to popular dining, shopping and entertainment hot spots. Dining in Eritrea is one of the popular things to do in the country and there are various types of dining spots which serve wide range of mouth watering local, African and international delicacies. One can shop for local handicrafts and regional artifacts from the regional shopping zones and local markets. The departmental stores and malls sell foreign brands.

The popular centers of sightseeing in Eritrea also form a major part of the excursions in Eritrea. Tourists should visit these places to experience the scenic beauty and diverse tradition of the various parts of the country. The capital city of Asmara and its surrounding areas are home to plenty of scenic areas and attractions. Tourists can embark on excursion to the scenic tribal and local villages. By visiting the tribal villages, travelers can have a feel of the tribal lifestyle and rich tribal tradition. They can buy beautiful tribal handicrafts from the village markets. Other places like Massawa, Batse Island, and Emberemi are also ideal for excursions.

The idyllic beaches in the country are also popular centers for excursions in Eritrea. The country is home to scenic beaches which are popular spots of recreation and amusement. The city is Asseb consists of wonderful beaches by the Red Sea. The beaches consist of lovely reefs and are surrounded by rocky cliffs and sprawling pine and coconut trees. Other places where beautiful beaches are found are Mersa Gulbub, Mersa Ibrahim, Gugussum, Buri Peninsula and Ras Kuba. Some beaches are also ideal centers for plenty of water sports like diving, snorkeling, kayaking and other activities.

Excursions in Eritrea also consist of wildlife safari trips to the woodlands and the national parks. The forests and wildlife reserves are home to diverse species of flora and fauna. Plenty of tourists and nature lovers come to the wildlife reserves and forests to see wild animals amidst their habitat. Eritrea excursions consist of half day, single day or weekend trips. The trips are offered by the local tourist board as well as plenty of travel agencies. Walking tours are also undertaken to visit the notable sites within the city.