Eritrea Encounters
7 Days Starting and ending in Asmara, Eritrea
Visiting: Asmara, Keren, Massawa, Dahlak Archipelago
Tour operator:
Tour code:
635
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
12-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Eritrea Encounters" tour, exploring the rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty of Eritrea. Begin your journey in the capital, Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you'll marvel at its early 20th-century architecture. Venture to the vibrant markets of Keren and discover the unique traditions of the Bilen people. Experience the breathtaking descent to Massawa and set sail to the pristine Dahlak Archipelago, renowned for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. Enjoy two nights of beach camping under the stars, with all meals and drinks included. This small group tour offers an authentic taste of Eritrea, combining cultural exploration with the thrill of adventure. With comfortable accommodations and expert local guides, this tour promises an enriching and memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Asmara, Transfer To Hotel. Afternoon Guided Sightseeing
Location: Asmara
Accommodation Name: Asmara hotel
After arriving in Asmara, our driver will be waiting at the airport, to escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, join our guided tour of Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's an interesting city, with early 20th century architecture and vibrant colours. Highlights of the tour include the Romanesque Santa Maria Cathedral and the Coptic Church Nda Mariam. We'll also have time to visit the historic Medeber market and the unique Fiat Tagliero garage. Later in the day we'll return to our hotel.
Day 2 : Optional Steam Locomotive. Head To Keren
Location: Keren
Accommodation Name: Keren hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A century ago, the Italians built what was then considered a futuristic railway in Eritrea and in recent years, steam locomotives have returned to the tracks of this former Italian colony. Whilst much of the railway infrastructure is in a state of bad repair, when you step aboard the steam locomotive, you'll be transported back in time and take a journey along a route which straddles mountains, covered in prickly pears and experience breath-taking views. As the train isn't always operational, we have kept this experience as an optional extra which can be booked and paid for through your tour guide, the rate will be approximately $60.00 - the exact rate will be confirmed at the time of booking). Should be train be out of operation, we'll spend some additional time in Asmara this morning, before starting our journey Keren where we'll spend the night.
Day 3 : Exploring Keren
Location: Keren
Accommodation Name: Asmara hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The city of Keren, home to the Bilen people, sprawls a wide basin, surrounded by granite mountains on all sides, This part of Eritrea offers a slice of 'authentic Africa', with its nostalgic atmosphere. The most vivid and colourful attraction in Keren is of course the local market, which attracts tribes from the surrounding areas. The market has various sections, we'll make our way through the covered food market, past the streets dedicated to tailors and silversmiths and through the womens market, until we reach the river side where the wood and coal markets are held. Whilst in Keren, we'll also explore the Sanctuary of Mariam Dearit, where a Black Madonna, inserted in a Baobab tree is venerated. The Madonna of the Baobab is also highly venerated by Muslims and often there are multi-faith pilgrimages which take place. Our last visits in Keren will be to the Italian, Askari and British war cemeteries before we return to Asmara for the night.
Day 4 : To Massawa, Cruise To The Dahlak Islands
Location: Massawa
Accommodation Name: Dahlak Island Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we leave Asmara today, our route will descend 2450 meters in just 100km of road, taking us to the coastal city of Massawa. From here we'll board our motorboat, which will take us to explore some of the pearls of the Red Sea, the Dahlak Islands. Whilst the exact route we take will be decided by the captain, taking into consideration weather conditions, we'll be sure to explore some of the most interesting and richest coral reefs in the area. During our 2 night excursion, we will set up camp on one of the islands and use this as a base to explore a number of other nearby islands. Our accommodation on the Dahlak Islands will be Igloo style tents (2.1 x 1.2 meters), which are equipped with 5cm mattresses, pillows, sheets, chairs and table. As fresh water is very scarce on the Dahlak Islands, daily showers are not always available and toilets will be 'bush style'. A cook will accommpany us to prepare meals for the group and these will feature fresh fish, traditional Danakil break, fruit, tea, coffee, pasta rice and traditional foul. 4 drinks per person per day are included in the cost of this excursion which include (water, soft drinks and beer).
Day 5 : Exploring The Dahlak Islands
Location: Dahlak Archipelago
Accommodation Name: Dahlak Island camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Dahlak Archipelago comprises of over 200 islands, in the pristine waters of the Red Sea. Known for its unique ecosystem, some say that it even rivals world renowned destintions such as The Maldives. The waters surrounding the Dahlak Islands are teeming with marine life, including unique fish species, corals and echinoderms. The archipelago can also offer rare glimpses of species such as Manta Rays, Turtles and Dolphins. We'll spend today exploring the islands further and spend another night beneath the starry skies.
Day 6 : Return To Asmara Via Massawa
Location: Asmara
Accommodation Name: Asmara hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sadly, our time in the Dahlak Islands comes to and end today as we leave the boat in Massawa. Time permitting, we may have the opportunity to take a short city tour before we return to Asmara where we'll spend our final night in Eritrea. Why not use this evening to purchase any last minute souvenirs, or visit a local restaurant for a farewell dinner with your new friends.
Day 7 : Free Time In Asmara. Transfer To The Airport For Departure (Extensions Available)
Location: Asmara
Accommodation Name: N/A
You'll have some free time in Asmara today, until you are transferred back to the airport for departure. For those looking to spend a little longer in Eritrea, we do offer a 2-night Asmara extension, which includes tours to visit Kohaito, Adi Quala and more.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights in Asmara, 1 night in Keren hotels, and 2 nights camping on the Dahlak Islands including equipment.
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Dahlak Island Cruise
Dahlak Island cruise including all meals and 4 drinks per day.
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Transport and Transfers
All transport and transfers are included.
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Airport Transfers
24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service on tour days.
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Tour Leader
Services of a local tour leader throughout, speaking English and Italian.
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Sightseeing Tours
All sightseeing tours as per itinerary are included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for visits included in the itinerary.
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Meals
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
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Visa Invitation Letter
Visa invitation letter for most nationalities.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included but available on request.
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Eritrea Visa Fees
Eritrea visa fees are not included, although an invitation letter will be provided.
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Optional Train Journey
Optional journey on restored colonial train is not included.
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Visa on Arrival Paperwork
Additional paperwork for Visa on Arrival service for countries with no Eritrean Consulate is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included, but available from Encounters Travel.
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Meals Not Indicated
Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
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Tips
Tips for tour leader and driver are not included.
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Other Items
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
Mode of Transport
All transport and transfers are included, with a motorboat cruise to explore the Dahlak Islands, ensuring seamless travel throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in Asmara and 1 night in Keren hotels, with 2 nights of camping on the Dahlak Islands, complete with equipment for a unique experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the camping on the Dahlak Islands?
During the camping on the Dahlak Islands, accommodation is provided in Igloo style tents equipped with 5cm mattresses, pillows, sheets, chairs, and a table.
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Are meals included during the Dahlak Islands excursion?
Yes, all meals are included during the Dahlak Islands excursion, and a cook will accompany the group to prepare meals featuring fresh fish, traditional Danakil bread, fruit, tea, coffee, pasta, rice, and traditional foul.
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What is the policy on drinks during the Dahlak Islands cruise?
The Dahlak Islands cruise includes 4 drinks per person per day, which can include water, soft drinks, and beer.
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Is there an option to extend the stay in Eritrea after the tour ends?
Yes, there is an option to extend the stay in Eritrea with a 2-night Asmara extension, which includes tours to visit Kohaito, Adi Quala, and more.
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What is the optional activity available on Day 2 of the tour?
On Day 2, there is an optional activity to take a journey on a restored steam locomotive, which can be booked and paid for through the tour guide.
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What kind of wildlife might be seen around the Dahlak Islands?
Around the Dahlak Islands, you might see marine life such as unique fish species, corals, echinoderms, and possibly Manta Rays, Turtles, and Dolphins.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.