The North Korea of Africa. A police state, and one of the least visited countries in the world, Eritrea is a little gem. Tough to get to, tough to get in to, and hidden on Africa's west coast, little Eritrea packs a punch for a few reasons.
One of the least visited countries in the world
Eritrea remains one of Africa’s most undiscovered treasures, offering an authentic experience away from the usual tourist trails.
Architectural Marvels
Asmara, the capital, is renowned for its well-preserved Italian colonial architecture, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Diverse Landscapes
From the pristine beaches of the Red Sea coast to the dramatic highlands and arid deserts, Eritrea’s varied landscapes are stunning.
Rich History
Eritrea’s historical sites, including ancient ruins and centuries-old monasteries, provide a deep dive into the region’s past.
EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!
On the slow march to visit every country in the world, you can't skip little Eritrea. So let me help get you there!
For me personally, I haven't visited Eritrea since my journey to every country in the world, way back in 2017. The visa was (and still often is) almost impossible. I had been rejected countless times in the few embassies. A friend gave me a contact who would allow me to SKIP THE VISA PROCESS, and get me a visa-on-arrival. Wow! I did that, it worked and voila, I was in my 54th and FINAL african country.
To this day, I use the same contact to get all you guys in the country!
Eritrea's Government runs the country explicitly. You can't criticize, or you're locked up. And it's vert difficult for locals to leave. Hence the use migration and the migrant crisis across Europe involving so many Eritreans.
Further to that, they have their issues with Ethiopia too.
However, for the handful of foreigners who go there? It's safe as houses. Like Turkmenistan, North Korea etc there is almost no crime, aside from petty theft.
In the least visited countries in the world, where visas/permits/legal stuff can change in a heartbeat, the itineraries can always change! Please bear with me. That being said, almost always the itinerary is as stated. And even if it's not, it's normally chopped and changed so it includes the same epic stuff, just different days.
Yes, everyone and anyone is welcome! Normally my groups are 16 people from 10+ countries, come join the party.
I've got you covered. Don't worry! I just need passport copies etc.
Depending on the state of the Government, we may all have to take the same flight in. I'll confirm that at a later date.
Generally speaking, we'll be flying in from Dubai, Addis Abbaba or Istanbul.
Nope.
YES! In fact 90% of the people who join my trips come solo. You can either pay a single supplement to have your own room, or I'll pair you up with another traveler of the same gender. Don't worry!
You will be paired with someone of the same gender, or you can get your own room for an additional fee of $600.
The deposit is non-refundable. Full payment is due 2 months before the trip starts. You can cancel anytime in the lead-up to full payment. After that, there are no refunds (I'll have done all your permits etc, so it's difficult on the backend).
If your visa is rejected, I'll refund everything minus $100 visa admin fees. And if the eVisa system changes in the interim, I'll offer full refunds to everyone.
('Guide' doing a fair bit of heavy lifting here, considering the guide is me! haha!)
Ranges from $67 to $300+
Recommended Euro/USD of $100-$150
If you wish to arrive a day early, or stay a day later.
Once we have determined which flights we'll all arrive on, we'll aim to arrive in the morning.
From here, it's time to check out the very cool Art Deco architecture that still stands from the brief Italian colonial period. Eritrea struggles economically, so proper coffee and gelato is a strange sight!
As the day progresses, we'll head to Keren, Eritrea's second city and overnight there.
We'll learn abotu the history of Eritrea. The issues with Ethiopia, the fight with the Italians, all whilst exploring Keren.
Visits to local markets, the camel market, the Commonwealth War Graves and more gorgeous Art Deco. We'll lunch in Keren. Then spend the afternoon heading back to the (not-so) bright lights of Asmara for some refreshments.
Overnight in the Capital
The highlight of the trip today in my opinion.
After brekkie we traverse the country through the gorgeous rolling mountains to the coast, the city of Massawa.
Then we'll hop on some private boats to the Dahlak archipelago, a place where basically no-one goes. Gorgeous waters, dinner and camp there. I've never been here because it's pricey, but as a group we can rent the boat. Epic!
We wake up in paradise. After brekkie, we take the boats back to Messawa.
Here we will have a coffee stop, then Massawa city tour. Lunch, and eventually back to Asmara for our last night in Eritrea. En route home, we'll stop at the dark 'tank graveyard' in Asmara.
Don't expect Las Vegas, but we'll do our best!
Wake up at your leisure. God that's a rarity on my trips, I know!
Today is depending on our flights. Brekkie at the hotel, free to wander around Asmara, and hop in the airport transfers when our flights our. Easy.
after Libya, Syria and now Eritrea back to back to back - I need to go back to Thailand until the next trip in.... Pakistani Kashmir in June! Wanna join?
