We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Please note that all of our visits are regulated by permits issued by the Government. Whilst our intention is to adhere to the day to day route printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary as a result of this permit situation. Please note that in Adi Keyh especially, electricity supply is erratic and is unlikely in any event to be available between 10pm and 6am. Also, Eritrea food stuffs and fuel are rationed.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Accordingly you should allow approx. US$25 for gratuities for local staff.
Please note that you will need to accurately declare all currency on arrival and departure in Eritrea. All transactions are payble in local currency. Accordingly, please ensure you keep all exchange receipts where possible.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Eritrea |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
0.70 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$0.70 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$14.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$16.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
$20.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
A single entry visa is required by all nationalities. Visas must be obtained before departure. You must hold a return/onward ticket, a passport valid for at least six months with a double blank page for the visa.
Please note: We are currently unable to accept passengers travelling with a British passport on the tour. This is due to the fact that the Embassy in London is currently no longer issuing tourist visas for British citizens and the procedure to obtain one remains unclear. We are monitoring the situation and we hope we will be able to accept bookings for British clients again as soon as possible. Other nationalities have been able to obtain their visas and have not encountered the same issues.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Yellow fever certificate only required if arriving from an infected area.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Seasonal temperatures change little in Eritrea, but the best time to travel is March to April and September to October, when generally rainfall is lowest and temperatures can range from 18°C in Asmara, up to the high 30s in Massawa. June to August sees the rain arrive in the highlands and western lowlands, whilst the eastern lowlands are at their hottest
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of luggage and a daysac. A soft holdall can be useful as excess luggage can be stored in Asmara. Total allowance: 20kgs/44lbs. Remember – you are expected to carry your own luggage, so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
Daytime temperatures are mainly warm and comfortable, but evenings in the highlands can be cool. We recommend a thick sweater or warm fleece and lightweight wind/waterproof clothing. Take a sun hat.
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Footwear
Comfortable shoes, trainers or sandals for relaxing/travelling.
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Equipment
Bring a torch, sunhat/sunscreen, a towel and insect repellent. Take supplies of photographic film with you, as supplies available locally are unreliable. A pair of walking sandals or shoes for some walks around sites
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Eritrea is one of Africa’s most enigmatic countries, for so long isolated from the outside world. This short tour opens up Eritrea’s treasures for you, from the bustling markets and Art Deco architecture of its capital to the ancient ruins of its Axumite civilization and finally to the shores of the Red Sea, where Africa and Arabia meet. Beginning in the Eritrean capital of Asmara we tour the delightful streets of this fascinating city, visiting its markets and churches and marvelling at a city lost in the architectural styles of the 1930s. To the north of the capital we visit the camel markets of Keren. We hope to get stunning views when driving through the highlands to the Red Sea port of Massawa. A mix of Arabic, Turkish and European influences, Massawa’s streets give us plenty of scope for exploring and we have a free day to enjoy the welcoming waters of the Red Sea. We return to the capital, with the likely possibility to travel part-way by steam train (optional) before heading south where we visit the major archaelogical sites of Qohaito, with its important remains of the powerful Axumite kingdom that ruled Ethiopia and Eritrea for seven centuries. This comprehensive journey gives us a little taste of the best of Eritrea
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Please note:
We have been advised that The Ministry of Tourism in Eritrea has changed its regulations regarding permits for travel outside of Asmara. Our agent is now required to submit a legible copy of the photograph page of your passport and a copy of your Eritrea visa prior to arrival, in order to obtain the necessary permits. Therefore, please forward this to Explore at least 10 days before departure.
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Country info
Area: 124,320 sq km.
Population: 4,400,000.
Language: Arabic & Tigrinya (official), Tigre, Afar and English.
Religion: Muslim (50%), Christian (50%).
Local Time: GMT +3.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 230V 50HZ, two pin round plugs.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: ITMB Publishing: 1:9,000,000.
Recommended Books: Bradt Guide to Eritrea, Lonely Planet Guide to Ethiopia & Eritrea, Roy Pateman: Even the Stones are Burning, Richard Sherman: Eritrea: The Unfinished Revolution. I Didn’t Do It For You: How the World Used and Abused a Small African Nation, Michela Wrong.
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