10 Places To Visit In Eritrea

Eritrea until 1941 was an Italian colony. Before 1941, one could see the Turkish and Egyptian influences in the country. Eritrea is a historic fusion of these different ethnicities and thus has a lot to offer in terms of culture and architecture. Not to mention that adventure seekers can have a ball at this place. It is the ranked 5th in the most attractive tourist destination in Africa. Eritrea is border lined by the Red Sea in the northeast and east.

Here Are 10 Places To Visit In Eritrea:

1. National Museum Asmara

Asmara is the capital city of the nation of Eritrea. It is also one of the most popular destinations for architecture and museums. Ranging from paintings by the contemporary artists in Asmara to artefacts from excavations of Adulis and tombstones from the Dahlak Islands, and scrolls in Ge’ez, the museum is well stocked in terms of culture. A must visit for history and art lovers.

2. The Dahlak Marine National Park

The national park is situated on the Dahlak archipelago and is essentially surrounded by the Red Sea, which makes the place rich in flora and fauna. It houses exotic fish and aquatic wildlife along with being a fantastic spot of bird nesting. The place is a must visit to experience nature in the truest form. To travel to the island of Dahlak, one can opt for yachts plying from Massawa islands. The place is also a hit for scuba diving and water related sports.

3. Massawa

A 1500 year old town, Massawa, is the port city of Eritrea. It is also the natural deep water port of Red Sea. Massawa is home to some the best beaches in Africa. The Gurgusum Beach is very popular and always livelier towards the end of the day. Water sports along with boating are favourite pastimes for this place. Old Massawa town relives the terrible history of the past and colonial era, of damaged roofs and buildings, however, a good visit in case one wants to get the feel of the past.

4. Dahlak Islands

Dahlak islands, aptly an archipelago, hosts a number of places which can be utilised for making a pleasurable vacation. Situated in the Red Sea, the island is home to most of the Eritrea population. The place is ideal for water sports and activities including, scuba diving. The coastline of Dahlak has lush green mangroves and coral reefs submerged in deep waters. Dahlak Kabir, the largest island of the lot is popular for pearl fishing.

5. Eritrean Othodox Church

Also known as Nda Mariam Orthodox Church, the church is usually locked up for the rest of the day, it is for the early birds, opening at 6 am for only 2 hours in the day. During Lent, the church is open for longer duration. The church is also known for its brilliant architecture.

6. Asmara Zoo

An extremely small zoo, the Asmara Zoo can be visited while one is on its way to Massawa. Situated in the area of Biet-Ghiorgis, the zoo houses lions, ostriches, hyenas, snakes, baboons and a variety of birds of prey to who make up for the population of the residence of zoo.

7. Mountain Emba Soira

This is also the highest point of Eritrea (3018 m). The mountain range is a part of the Eritrean Highlands, and one side lies to the Great Rift Valley, which finds its way through Eritrea and joins the Red Sea. The mountain can be reached by its closest towns of Sanafe and Tisha.

8. Red Sea

Eritrea is also known as the secret jewel of Red Sea. The Red Sea with its pristine waters and abundance of fauna, and Eritrea spreading to 2,234 km, with 1,151 km of the mainland, is definitely the charm of Red Sea. Being an untapped water body to explore, it is a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelling. Abundant in coral reefs, marine life and wrecks.

9. Semenawi Bahri National Park

This park is located within 21 km from Asmara, and is situated at the foothills of a mountain range and at an average height of 900 m. It is a popular tourist spot for spotting leopards, klipspringers, bushbucks. This national park is also the home to a variety of birds in this region. To reach the spot, one can take the Asmara- Keren road.

10. Hawatsu Reservoir And Copse

This place is situated on the road to Asmara, and a few miles from Adi Keih. If one is travelling to the spot from Asmara, the plain drops down to a reservoir, and is an extremely scenic in nature.

This spot is renowned for bird watching. Hawatsu Copse is a small region of native woodland, a little north to the reservoir.

Pink-backed Pelican, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, Hammerkop, Egyptian Goose, Little Grebe, Maccoa Duck, Red-knobbed Coot, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, European Wigeon, and the Wattled Ibis are the few common birds to spot here. On the way to Hawatsu, the place offers scenic beauty to the eyes. A must visit.