The creation of modern Eritrea resulted from independence and the merger of different kingdoms and sultans, which eventually led to the formation of Eritrea, Italy. After the defeat of the Italian colonial army in 1942, the British military administration ruled Eritrea until 1952.
According to the resolution of the 1952 General Assembly, Eritrea will govern itself with the help of the local Eritrean parliament. Still, in terms of foreign affairs and national defense, it will rule for ten years that will be eligible for the Ethiopian League. In 1962, the Ethiopian government abolished the Eritrean Parliament and formally annexed Eritrea. In 1991, after 30 years of uninterrupted armed struggle for independence, fighters for the liberation of Eritrea successfully entered the capital Asmara.
Things to see and do in Eritrea
Asmara
There are few cities suited to the simple pleasure of walking and exploring as Asmara. The climate is perfect, the streets are clean, refreshment is widespread, crime is infrequent, the architecture is stunning, the distances are manageable, the sights are varied, and the people are warm. Explore the city on foot and discover its many hidden treasures from the 1930s, like stunning buildings Fiat Tagliero.
Filfil
To the northeast of Asmara lies the Semienawi Bahri, or ‘Green Belt’ region of Eritrea. The area is more commonly known as Filfil and contains the last remnants of Eritrea’s once-abundant tropical forest, home to an impressive array of birds and mammals. It is hard to imagine such dense forest exists in this region of Africa. The forest thrives on the vast, moist escarpment that links the highland plateau with the burning lowland plains.
Keren
Keren is the capital of the Anseba province and the third-largest city in Eritrea after Asmara and Massawa. It is a pretty relaxed town, famed for its quiet pace of life, colorful markets, and ethnic diversity.
It forms the crossroads between several roads towards Nakfa, Agordat, and Asmara. The town rests in a bowl, the rim of which is formed by the formidable peaks of Lalemba, Ziban, Senkil, Felestaw, Itaber, and Amba Mountains.
Massawa
Massawa was an ancient port and remained the largest natural deep-water port on the Red Sea. If Asmara is an Italianate city, Massawa is Turkey-Egyptian style, reflecting the periods of Ottoman and Egyptian rule from the 16th century to the late 19th century. The beautiful but ramshackle old town was damaged during the ‘Struggle.’ However, its coral block buildings still retain some of the former grandeur that makes this antique port appear like a miniature version of Zanzibar’s Stone Town.
Metera and Senafe
The site of Metara on the outskirts of Senafe covers about 10 hectares and is known variously amongst locals as Balaw Calaw, King Kaleb’s remains, and the Gate of Axum. Many ruins, including the ancient obelisk dating to the 3rd century. The enormous rocks dominate the nearby town of Senafe to the south.
Qohaito
Eritrea is rich in archaeological sites, many of which have yet to be discovered. The ruins of Qohaito, on the road south of Asmara towards Senafe, and Adulis, are the most famous on the coast. The site contains the Safra’s Dam and the ruins of the palace of King Saba from the Axumite and pre-Axumite periods. The ancient port of Adulis is currently being excavated.
The Dahlak Archipelago
With around 350 islands off the Eritrean coast, the Dahlak Archipelago is a national park that is the window into an unspoiled underwater world of flat reef gardens and an extraordinary variety of sea life, and it is one of the best things to see and do in Eritrea. Travelers cannot go alone without permission.
Things You Need To Know Before Visit Eritrea
The best time to visit Eritrea
Eritrea’s Red Sea coast is warm and dry all year round. In Massawa, the winters (December to March) are warm and sunny, with temperatures of 30 ° C, but from May to September, temperatures can rise to, sometimes up to 45 ° C. However, the capital Asmara is cooler. Expect around 23 ° C in the winter, slightly warmer from March to June, and then the temperature drops in July and August, which are the only really rainy months. The nights are cool in summer and can be cold in winter. Organized tours usually visit Eritrea in February, April, October, November, and December.
Do I need to Travel Vaccinations for Eritrea?
Some vaccines are recommended or required for Eritrea. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Eritrea: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever
How to get Travel Permits?
When tourists travel outside Asmara, they must obtain a travel permit, and Adulis travel agency handles the issuance of such a travel permit.
