Eritrea is a tiny (by African standard) country on the northeast of the continent, and bordered by the Red Sea to the northeast, Sudan to the northwest, and Ethiopia to the south. Although located in an otherwise desert area, its capital Asmara is in the highlands, between 1,500 and 3,500 meters above sea level, giving it a pleasant Mediterranean climate. However, political instability due to hostility with its southern neighbour Ethiopia is causing traveller to stay away from it.
Fast Facts about Eritrea
Official Name: State of Eritrea
Capital: Asmara
Population of Eritrea: 4,786,994
Languages: Arabic, Tigrinya, dialects
Currency: Nakfa
Religions: Christian, Islam, others
Size: 93,680 sq km (36,170 sq miles)
Region: Africa
When to visit Eritrea
Not during the wet season, between June and August, when it rains heavily in the highlands. Summer months can be sizzling hot, with temperatures reaching 40 deg C. The best time to go is between October and March. Not only do you enjoy good weather, you may also have a chance to witness the festivals that happen during this period, namely Timkat on 19 January and Meskel on 27 September. Be aware, however, that temperature can drop to freezing point in the highlands, especially between December and February.
What to wear in Eritrea
Lightweight clothing for lowlands, mediumweight clothing for the highlands. Warm clothes needed for night time in the highlands.
Getting into Eritrea
Lufthansa flies to the Asmara International Airport (ASM) three times a week, and Eritrea Airlines reciprocates with two flights a week to Frankfurt. It also has flight connections with Dubai and Djibouti, as well as weekly flights to Rome and Jeddah. There is a US$20 departure tax to be paid for departing travellers.
Eritrea Entry Requirements
Most nationals need a visa for entering Eritrea. In fact, only nationals or Uganda and foreign citizens of Eritrea are exempted from this rule. You need to do it at the Eritrean embassy in the country you are citizen, and nowhere else. If there is none in your country, you need to inquire with your own country's foreign office (Foreign Ministry or State Department).
Budget Travel within in Eritrea
You are limited to sightsee around Asmara. To go beyond this city, you would need to apply for a permit from the Tourist Bureau, and it has to be applied for 10 days before travelling.
Things to see and do in Eritrea
Explore Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, admire its Italian-inspired architecture, wander through its market. Among the places to visit:
Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin Mosque
Nda Mariam Catholic Cathedral
Town Hall
National Museum
Massawa, the Red Sea port with buildings reflecting the Ottoman and Egyptian rule of the 16th to late 19th century.
Iman Hanbeli Mosque
Sheikh Said Island (Isola Verde)
St Mariam's Cathedral
Money matters in Eritrea
The currency used is called Nakfa (ERN), although US Dollars is the most conveniently accepted. Banknotes in Nafta are available in denominations of ERN1, 5,, 10, 50 and 100.
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