Eritrea

Types of trips: Adventure, Food, Exploration, Culture, Geography

Best known for: Sports culture, African Horn location, Coffee & Coffee ceremonies

Why Go?: While Eritrea's rocky relationship with some of it's neighbouring countries put a blemish on it's reputation, the local cities and culture are actually quite peaceful and are full of interesting architecture, cuisine, coral reefs and amazing ethnic diversity - this will be a destination unlike any other!

Fact File

Population: 6,400,000

Capital: Asmara

Language(s): Tigrinya, English, Arabic

Ties to the UK?: Reasonably good relationship

Landscape: Eastern desert and western fertile lands, with central highlands

Climate/Seasons: Extremely hot from June - September and cooler and more pleasant during October - May, with June - August seeing a rainy season in the highlands and western lowlands.

When to Go: While Eritrea is a good destination any time of year, the best periods to visit are September - October and March - April.

Reasons to Visit: Local cuisine/culture, scenery

How to Get There: There are a few international airports in Eritrea than you can travel to, but you may need to take some connecting flights - 

Places to Go: Debre Bizen, Qohaito, National Museum

Famous People: Isaias Afwerki, Kidane Tadesse, Zersenay Tadese

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Dankalia

History: Periods of Italian and British rule, with a war for Independence 

Architecture: St Mariam Cathedral, Imperial Palace, Former Governor's Palace

Culture: Influences from Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti and Sudan, with some Italian and Eastern links

Sport: Football, Cycling

Events: Fenkil Day, Martyr's Day, Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha

Watch Out For: You'll need a visa to enter Eritrea and there's some civil unrest - check out the linked FCO page to see current updates!

Medical Issues: There are some advised vaccines and boosters for those travelling to Eritrea - check here for a good general overview and always consult with a doctor.