What does this tour cover and how long is it?
The Eritrea Encounters tour is a 7-day small-group trip that starts and ends in Asmara. You spend the first two days exploring the UNESCO-listed capital and the surrounding highlands, then travel to Keren for a full day, before heading east to the port city of Massawa and boarding a motorboat for a 3-night expedition to the Dahlak Archipelago in the Red Sea. You return to Asmara for your final night before departing.
What is Asmara like and what do you see there?
Asmara is one of the world's most remarkable capital cities. It has one of the highest concentrations of early 20th-century modernist architecture anywhere on earth, much of it dating from the Italian colonial period and in excellent condition. On Day 1 you see the Lombard Romanesque Santa Maria Cathedral, the Coptic Church of Enda Mariam, and the extraordinary Fiat Tagliero Building, a Futurist petrol station with bold cantilevered wings designed to resemble an aeroplane. You also visit the Medeber Market, a historic open-air workshop where artisans repurpose metal and wood into usable goods.
What is Keren like and what happens there?
Keren is a city nestled in a dramatic basin of granitic mountains and is home to the Bilen people. The famous Keren cattle market draws people from across the region and is one of the most vivid sights in the highlands. You also visit the covered food market, the silver and gold smiths quarters, textile stalls, and the river bed wood and coal trade. Historical stops include the Italian and British war cemeteries and the Romanesque Saint Michael church. A profound spiritual highlight is the Sanctuary of Mariam Dearit, a chapel built into the hollow of an ancient baobab tree, revered by both Christians and Muslims and managed by Cistercian monks.
What is the Dahlak Archipelago and what do you do there?
The Dahlak Archipelago is a group of over 200 islands in the pristine southern Red Sea, known for some of the richest and least-visited coral reefs in the world. You spend 2 nights camping on the islands, snorkelling over coral reefs teeming with fish, and swimming in warm, clear water. Sightings of manta rays, turtles, and dolphins are possible. Evenings are spent around a campfire under a spectacular starlit sky, with the added possibility of seeing phosphorescent plankton glowing in the shallows. The exact route and islands visited are chosen by the captain based on weather and sea conditions.
What is the optional steam train ride?
The Italians built a narrow-gauge railway through the Eritrean highlands in the early 20th century, and working steam locomotives have been restored on sections of the line. When operational, you can ride the steam train through mountain scenery covered in prickly pears, with breathtaking views. As the train is not always running, this is offered as an optional add-on bookable through your guide on the day. If it is not operating, the morning is spent in Asmara before travelling to Keren.
What is the group size on this tour?
Groups have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 people. Departures run between October and June and are guaranteed once 2 people are booked. Private tours are available on request on any date.
Is Eritrea accessible and easy to travel in?
Eritrea is genuinely off the beaten track and is one of Africa's least-visited countries, which is a big part of its appeal. The infrastructure is basic in places and requires a flexible, adventurous mindset. That said, the country is welcoming, feels safe for visitors, and the visa process is well-managed by Encounters Travel, who provide a Letter of Invitation to support your application. Your guide speaks English and Italian, and roads are navigated in private vehicles.
What is included in the tour price?
Included are 3 nights in Asmara hotels, 1 night in a Keren hotel, 2 nights camping on the Dahlak Islands (including equipment, all meals, and 4 drinks per person per day on the island), all transport, all sightseeing tours as per the itinerary, entrance fees for included visits, a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service, and the services of a local English and Italian-speaking tour leader throughout.
What is not included in the tour price?
Not included are international flights, the Eritrea visa fee (an invitation letter is provided to support your application), the optional steam locomotive ride, travel insurance (mandatory), meals not indicated in the itinerary, drinks and personal expenses, and tips for the tour leader and driver.
Is the Eritrean visa complicated to obtain?
Obtaining an Eritrean visa takes some planning. For nationalities that have an Eritrean embassy or consulate, you apply in advance and Encounters Travel provides a free Letter of Invitation to support the application. For those in countries without an Eritrean consulate, a visa on arrival at Asmara airport can be arranged, though an additional fee applies. Encounters Travel guides you through the process after booking.
Is there a 2-night extension available?
Yes. A 2-night extension from Asmara is available, covering excursions to Dekemhare, the Valley of the Sycamores, and the ancient pre-Axumite ruins at Kohaito and Adi Quala. These include the 2,500-year-old Safira Dam, ruins linked to the Queen of Sheba legend, and a visit to the Church of Santa Rita. This extension can be booked when you make your reservation.
How active is this tour?
The tour is light to moderately active. City exploration in Asmara and Keren involves walking for a few hours on reasonable surfaces. The Dahlak Island section involves snorkelling (you do not need to be an advanced swimmer, but basic swimming ability is required), boarding and disembarking a motorboat, and moving around beach and rocky island terrain. No trekking or strenuous hiking is required.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the Dahlak Islands?
You need to be comfortable in the water as the Dahlak section involves snorkelling from a boat. You do not need to be an advanced swimmer, but if you are not confident in open water you should mention this when booking so the team can advise. Life jackets are available.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory on all Encounters Travel tours. Your policy must cover personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation, and travel delay. Please provide your insurance details to Encounters Travel before departure.
Is Eritrea safe for tourists?
Eritrea is considered safe by travellers who visit and incidents targeting tourists are rare. It is a closely managed country with a strong social order. As with any destination, check your government's current travel advice before booking and before you depart. Encounters Travel monitors conditions and will inform you of any significant changes.
What is the situation with cash and cards in Eritrea?
Foreign credit and debit cards are not accepted in Eritrea. You must bring your spending money in cash (US dollars, euros, or other major currencies) to exchange locally. The Eritrean Nakfa has a fixed official rate. Exchange only at the airport, banks, or official bureaux de change. The airport often offers good rates. Receipts should be retained. Do not exchange money informally.
What accommodation is used on this tour?
In Asmara you stay at the Asmara Palace Hotel (3 to 4-star by local rating), a well-regarded property with its own generator, which is important given that power outages occur in the city. It has an outdoor pool, spa, restaurant, and bar. In Keren you stay at the Sarina Hotel, the best available option in the city, with simple but comfortable en-suite rooms. On the Dahlak Islands you sleep in large igloo-style tents (2.5 x 2.5 metres) equipped with camp beds, pillows, sheets, and chairs.
What are the facilities like on the Dahlak Islands?
The island camp has no running water for showers and toilet facilities are bush-style. Fresh water is a scarce resource in this remote environment. What the camp does offer is an excellent cook who prepares fresh fish, traditional Danakil bread, pasta, rice, and fruit. The evenings by campfire under an extraordinarily clear sky are unforgettable. A reusable filtration water bottle is strongly recommended.
Are Asmara hotel rooms en suite?
Yes. The Asmara Palace Hotel has fully en-suite rooms with flat-screen TVs, balconies, free WiFi, and tea and coffee facilities. Rooms include twin and double options. Single supplements are available if you require your own room.
What meals are included on this tour?
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners are included. All meals during the Dahlak Island stay (Days 4 and 5) are fully included. Lunches and dinners in Asmara and Keren are mostly at your own expense.
What is Eritrean food like?
Eritrean food shows strong Italian, Ethiopian, and East African influences. Injera (a spongy sourdough flatbread) served with spiced stews is a staple. Italian-influenced dishes like pasta and pizza are widely available in Asmara thanks to the colonial heritage. The Dahlak island meals feature freshly caught fish, traditional Danakil bread, rice, pasta, fruit, and local breakfast staples like foul (spiced fava beans) or a spicy chilli omelette.
What is the Eritrean coffee ceremony?
Coffee is central to Eritrean hospitality and culture. When visiting a home or receiving guests, offering coffee is a strong custom. If you politely decline a cup of coffee, expect to be offered tea instead. Participating in the coffee ceremony (which involves roasting green beans, grinding, and brewing fresh coffee) is a warm and memorable social experience.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes. Solo travellers are paired with another traveller of the same gender to share a room. If you prefer a private room, a single supplement applies. If no same-gender match is available before the balance payment date, the supplement is charged but refunded if a match is arranged.
What kind of traveller does this tour suit?
This tour attracts travellers who are genuinely curious about rarely-visited places and want a real off-the-beaten-path experience. It is well-suited to those who appreciate authenticity, can adapt to basic facilities (especially on the islands), and are interested in history, colonial architecture, and East African culture. A sense of adventure and flexibility is essential.
Do I need a visa for Eritrea?
Eritrea requires a visa for most nationalities. Encounters Travel provides a free Letter of Invitation after you book, which is used to support your visa application at the Eritrean consulate. If your country has no Eritrean consulate, a visa on arrival at Asmara airport can be arranged at an additional cost. Contact Encounters Travel as soon as you book to start the process.
What vaccinations are recommended for Eritrea?
Consult your GP or a travel clinic well in advance for current recommendations. Typical vaccinations for the region include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Yellow Fever is not required for direct entry to Eritrea unless you are coming from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic. Malaria precautions may be recommended for the coastal Massawa and Dahlak areas. Get personalised advice based on your health history.
What sockets and voltage are used in Eritrea?
Eritrea uses Type C and Type D sockets (two round pins) at 230 volts. Standard European plugs fit fine. US appliances (110 volts) require both a plug adapter and a voltage converter. Universal adapters are available at airport shops. Hotel rooms have sockets for charging cameras and phones.
What should I pack for the Dahlak Islands?
Pack light. Essential items for the island include a snorkelling mask (rentals may be available but personal gear is recommended), reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, a light sleeping bag liner or sleeping sheet, a small dry bag for valuables, insect repellent for evenings, and a reusable water filtration bottle. Bring cash for the optional steam train and any personal purchases.
When does this tour operate?
Departures run from October to June when temperatures are manageable (generally 25 to 32 degrees Celsius). The tour does not operate during the summer months when temperatures in the lowlands can become extreme. All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 travellers.
Is there a post-tour extension available?
Yes. A 2-night Asmara extension is available, covering excursions to Dekemhare, the Valley of the Sycamores, and the ancient Axumite sites at Kohaito and Adi Quala, including the 2,500-year-old Safira Dam. You can also book additional nights in Asmara before or after the main tour with airport transfers still included.
What other Encounters Travel tours connect well with this one?
The Eritrea Encounters tour connects well with Encounters Travel's Egypt and Jordan tours. Asmara is served by flights to Cairo, which makes it practical to combine both countries. Speak to the Encounters Travel team about planning an itinerary that links the two.
Is the steam train an optional add-on or part of the tour?
The steam locomotive ride is optional and not included in the tour price. It can be booked and paid for through your tour guide in Eritrea if it is operating on your dates. The train is not always running, so its availability cannot be guaranteed. If it is not operational, the group spends extra time in Asmara instead.
What is the minimum group size to confirm a departure?
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people booked. The maximum group size is 12. Private tours are available on request on any date throughout the year.
Can this tour be run as a private departure?
Yes. The Eritrea Encounters itinerary is available as a private departure on any date. Private groups can also discuss customising the itinerary, for example by adding the Kohaito extension or extra nights in Asmara. Contact Encounters Travel for pricing.
What is the cancellation policy?
Standard Encounters Travel booking conditions apply. A deposit secures your place and the balance is due 8 weeks before departure. Cancellation charges increase as the departure date approaches. Full details are provided in your booking confirmation. Comprehensive travel insurance with trip cancellation cover is strongly recommended.
When is the balance payment due?
The balance is typically due 8 weeks before departure. If you book close to the departure date, the full amount may be due at the time of booking. The exact deadline is confirmed in your booking confirmation.
What financial protection does Encounters Travel offer?
Encounters Travel is a UK-registered company and has partnered with Trust My Travel to protect customer payments. Your money is protected via an insurance policy held by Trust My Travel. In the event of Encounters Travel's insolvency, you would be refunded for unfulfilled services or repatriated where applicable.
What is the Medeber Market in Asmara?
The Medeber Market is a historic open-air workshop on the edge of Asmara where local artisans repurpose old metal, tyres, and wood into useful everyday goods: cooking pots, keys, furniture, and bicycle parts. It is a fascinating insight into Eritrean resourcefulness and a very different kind of market experience from the typical souvenir bazaar.
What is Massawa like?
Massawa is a port city on the Red Sea coast at the foot of the dramatic descent from the Eritrean Highlands. It has a rich Ottoman and Italian colonial history visible in its architecture, though the city was badly damaged in the 1990s conflict. The port is the gateway to the Dahlak Islands and your motorboat departs from here. Time permitting, a short city tour of Massawa is included on the return leg.
What languages are spoken in Eritrea?
Eritrea has no single official language. The most widely spoken are Tigrinya, Arabic, and English. Many younger Eritreans speak English, having studied it at school. Owing to the Italian colonial past, some older Eritreans still speak Italian. Your tour leader speaks both English and Italian.
