Eritrea Red Sea Places of Interest

Massawa -

Gurgusum is a beautiful, white sandy beach situated north of Massawa. . The beaches are clean and free of the crowds that swarm most pristine beaches making it an ideal place to suntan, swim, sail, scuba dive and snorkel.

Asmara -

The Corinthian columns of the Neoclassical Governor's Palace, the Opera House, the Catholica Cathedral and the Cinema Impero can all be seen on Harnet Avenue which is the main road. Italian architecture's can still be seen all over the city with grand displays of Art-Deco villas. Asmara's National Museum exhibits Eritrea's ethnic groups and the main archaeological sites.

Nakfa -

A visit to Nakfa will give you a better understanding of what took place on the country's battlefields and the self-determination of the Eritrean people. The city served as the headquarters of the resistance movement during their long fight for independence and as a result has now become one of the most popular spots for touring Ethiopian bombs and bullets. Many of the underground facilities used by the rebels are still accessible. From here you can see the twin peaks of Den Den where the rebels transmitted during the war. The mosque is the only building that 'survived' the Ethiopian attack and still bears the gaping hole left by the assault. Eritreans see Nakfa as a result of their hard fight for independence and are proud to have their country's currency (the Eritrean Nakfa) named after it.

Eritrea Red Sea Visas & Embassies

Visas are required by all visitors. They should be obtained in advance from an Eritrean Embassy or Consulate before entering the country. You'll need one passport photo for your tourist visa which are single-entry only and valid for a month. Your passport must also be valid for at least three months. Visitors must hold a return/onward ticket. There is a $20 US dollar departure tax when leaving Eritrea and payment must be made in dollars, NOT in nakfas.

Locate your local embassy to find out the latest developments and travel advisories. Most embassies recommend that you register with them in case they need to contact you.

Eritrea Red Sea Health & Hospitals

Health risks: Malaria is a risk by the Red Sea and anywhere else that's less than 2000m (6500ft) above sea level, Dengue Fever is endemic, Diarrhoea, Giardiasis, Dehydration, and Intestinal Worms. Your Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid and Hepatitis A and B should all be up to date before leaving. An international health insurance policy is highly recommended. Most insurance policies do not cover divers, so check if you need additional insurance for this.

Visitors should bring a supply of any necessary drugs (Paracetamol, anti-malaria tablets and Loperamide for acute diarrhoea) and prescriptions. A basic first aid kid is also a good idea. It should contain painkiller/antipyretic/anti-inflammatory tabs, antihistamine tabs & cream, decongestant, multi-vitamins/iron, wide spectrum antibiotic, seasickness tabs, intestinal antiseptic, diarrhea tabs, rehydration salts, antiseptic solution, antibiotic spray & cream, antifungal cream/powder, insect repellent, sting relief cream/spray, bandages, plasters, adhesive & sterile dressings, non-sticking antibiotic dressings, gauze, steri-strips, cotton wool, syringes & needles. Check the expiry dates on all medicines and prescriptions. When traveling, it is highly recommended that you keep the written prescription with your medication. Many of the larger Hotels in the Red Sea have a doctor on call, and the bigger cities have private hospitals, of which some offer very reliable medical care, are clean and equipped with latest technology.

Medical services are adequate throughout the country. However, modern facilities are not always available and supplies can be irregular. Chemists and drugstores can be found in larger towns. The Central Hospital Makane Hiwet in Asmara, is the most extensive and best equipped. Private doctors and clinics are also available.

When traveling to the Red Sea with its desert environment, the three major hazards are dehydration, sunburn and an upset stomach. Drink plenty of mineral water and isotonic drinks (like coke and sprite), use high-factor sunscreens and wear a hat and sunglasses. A change in diet often results in upset stomachs. Never drink tap water, and check the seal on bottled water. Prefer cooked food or peeled fresh fruit/vegetables, and use mineral water to brush your teeth, and to wash fruit/vegetables. Eat in restaurants that are busy, and where both the establishment and the staff look clean. Public toilets are better avoided. Use the toilet facilities of mid to top-range hotels, and of western-style or tourist restaurants.

Eritrea Red Sea Local Time & Weather
Time: GMT/UTC +3

Eritrea Red Sea Culture & Traditions

Nearly one-third of Eritrea population (4.5 million) are nomadi or semi-nomadic. The Tirgrinya language is spoken in the highlands, while Arabic is widely spoken along the Sudanese border and Red Sea Coast. In the cities, you will find that English is widely spoken. Christianity and Islam compete for religious supremacy although neither one is a clear winner. The majority of the Christians are primarily Orthodox, with the minorities being Roman Catholics and Protestants. The Muslims are primarily Sunnis, with Sufis being the minority.

Eritreans love to dance to celebrate life, marriage and religious festivals. Their traditional instruments are the stringed krar and the wata, both of which are derived from Ethiopian musical instruments. There's plenty of variety in the music played around the country because each of the ethnic groups keeps a different beat and dances to a different tune.

Eritrea Red Sea Climate & Environment

Eritrea is a small country on the east coast of Africa covering an area of 124, 320 sq. kilometers. It shares its northern border with Sudan, its southern border with Djibouti and Ethiopia.

Eritrea is divided into 3 main geographical zones; the western lowlands, the fertile farming central highland region, and the eastern escarpment and coastal plains. The eastern part of the country is mostly desert and is home to one of the most hostile & hostile regions on earth, Danakalia. Northeast of Asmara you will find a tropical woodland. Over 350 tiny islands dot the waters of Eritrea's Red Sea coast, over half of which make up the Dahlak Archipelago.

Eritrea's wildlife includes wild cats, Abyssinian hares, jackals, warthogs and gazelles, plus over 500 species of birds. Occasionally you can see elephants and lions (in the west) and oryxes and crocodiles. Underwater life in the Red Sea includes magnificent coral reefs, dugongs and turtles. Sadly, due to the war and the resulting destruction of habitats, almost every animal in Eritrea now faces extinction within the country itself.

Every country has its own delicate eco-system. So be responsible while you are appreciating the beauty. If you are in the desert, the rule is v Pack it in, Pack it out. If you are in a protected park, stick to the trail. Wandering away can cause unforeseen damage to the delicate plant and animal life. Be conscious of things like water consumption, proper waste disposal, and turning off air-conditioning units when away from your room. Water is a precious commodity in the desert regions.

In the Red Sea, do not feed the fish, do not collect or remove any material either living or dead, and do not touch the coral reef with any part of your body including your fins! Thanks to a growing number of dedicated environmental agencies, there is a greater knowledge of Reef Protection awareness.

Red Sea Eritrea

Eritrea is a small African country located on the southern most point of the Red Sea. It is bordered by Sudan in the North and Ethiopia & Djibouti in the South. Eritrea's war torn past is quickly being left behind as its people are vigorously pursuing peace in place of conflict. Eritreans are finally being given a chance to show off their vibrance and friendliness. More and more fascinating archaeological ruins are being discovered around the country, while its Red Sea waters are luring divers with promises of flourishing marine life.

Red Sea Asmara

Many think of the capital of Eritrea as an Italian built colonial city. However, the city of Asmara dates back some 700 years. It is by far the largest city in Eritrea with its population reaching over 400,000. Unlike many other cities & towns in Eritrea, Asmara is relatively undamaged and is possibly the safest African capital for travelers. Sitting atop the Eritrean highlands at 2,350 meters, Asmara is one of the cleanest cities in Africa. The streets are elegantly lined with palms and a string of boutiques, coffee-shops and restaurants reminiscent of what one might find in the south of Italy.

Red Sea Assab
Assab now is an important, modern port with a more Ethiopian than Eritrean feel to it. It was chosen for its strategic location near the straits of Bab el Mandeb and the possibility that it could someday become an important trading station between Ethiopia and Arabia.


Red Sea Massawa

Once the biggest and most secure port on Africa's East Coat, Massawa is now Eritrea's main port. It suffered terrible damage during the war, but is back in operation managing an enormous amount of merchandise. Massawa boasts the largest, natural deep-water port on the Red Sea. The town itself still retains a great charm, especially at night when the tiny alleyways between the Turkish-Egyptian and Italian buildings come to life.


Red Sea Nakfa

Nakfa is located about 220km north of Asmara. The city served as the headquarters of the resistance movement during their long fight for independence and as a result has now become one of the most popular spots for touring Ethiopian bombs and bullets. Eritreans see Nakfa as a result of their hard fight for independence and are proud to have their country's currency (the Eritrean Nakfa) named after it.