Eritrea Encounters

Eritrea Encounters

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10 Days From

$3376

Eritrea Encounters

10 Days Starting and ending in Asmara, Eritrea

Visiting: Asmara, Keren, Massawa, Dahlak Archipelago

Tour operator:

Oasis Overland

Tour code:

635

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 18

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

12-95

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Camping

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $3376

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with "Eritrea Encounters," a tour that takes you through the heart of Eritrea's rich cultural and natural landscapes. Begin your journey in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Asmara, exploring its early 20th-century architecture and vibrant markets. Venture to the historic town of Keren, where you'll experience authentic local markets and visit the Sanctuary of Mariam Dearit. Descend to the coastal city of Massawa and set sail to the pristine Dahlak Archipelago, renowned for its stunning coral reefs and marine life. Enjoy beach camping under the stars with all meals and drinks included. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, wildlife exploration, and adventure, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique travel experience.

Highlights

  • Asmara

  • Keren Villages

  • Local Markets

  • Massawa

  • Dahlak Archipelago

  • Coral Reefs

  • Beach camping

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Accommodation

    3 nights in Asmara, 1 night in Keren hotels, and 2 nights camping on the Dahlak Islands including equipment.

  • Dahlak Island Cruise

    Dahlak Island cruise including all meals and 4 drinks per day.

  • Transport

    All transport and transfers.

  • Airport Transfers

    24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service (on tour days).

  • Tour Leader

    Services of a local tour leader throughout (English and Italian speaking).

  • Sightseeing Tours

    All sightseeing tours as per itinerary.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees for visits included in the itinerary.

  • Meals

    Meals as indicated in the itinerary.

  • Visa Invitation Letter

    Visa invitation letter for most nationalities.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights (available on request).

  • Eritrea Visa Fees

    Eritrea visa fees (an invitation letter will be provided).

  • Optional Train Journey

    Optional journey on restored colonial train.

  • Additional Visa Paperwork

    Additional paperwork for Visa on Arrival service (for countries with no Eritrean Consulate).

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance (compulsory - available from Encounters Travel).

  • Unspecified Meals

    Meals not indicated in the itinerary.

  • Personal Expenses

    Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.

    g.

    laundry).

  • Tips

    Tips for tour leader and driver.

  • Other Items

    Any other items not mentioned above.

Mode of Transport

All transport and transfers are included, along with a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service on tour days.

Accommodation

Enjoy 3 nights in Asmara and 1 night in Keren hotels, along with 2 nights camping on the Dahlak Islands with provided equipment.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 3 nights in Asmara hotels, 1 night in a Keren hotel, and 2 nights camping on the Dahlak Islands with provided equipment such as Igloo style tents, mattresses, pillows, sheets, chairs, and tables.

  • What meals are included during the Dahlak Island cruise?

    All meals are included during the Dahlak Island cruise, along with 4 drinks per person per day, which include water, soft drinks, and beer.

  • What is the optional activity available on Day 2?

    On Day 2, there is an optional journey on a restored steam locomotive, which can be booked and paid for through your tour guide. The rate is approximately $60.00, but the exact rate will be confirmed at the time of booking.

  • What kind of transport is included in the tour?

    All transport and transfers are included in the tour, along with a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service on tour days.

  • What kind of facilities can be expected during the camping on the Dahlak Islands?

    During the camping on the Dahlak Islands, accommodation will be in Igloo style tents equipped with 5cm mattresses, pillows, sheets, chairs, and tables. Fresh water is scarce, so daily showers may not be available, and toilets will be 'bush style'. A cook will accompany the group to prepare meals.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

    Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are international flights, Eritrea visa fees, optional journey on the restored colonial train, additional paperwork for Visa on Arrival service, travel insurance, meals not indicated in the itinerary, personal expenses such as drinks and snacks, and tips for the tour leader and driver.

  • What kind of wildlife can be expected during the Dahlak Islands excursion?

    The waters surrounding the Dahlak Islands are teeming with marine life, including unique fish species, corals, and echinoderms. There are also rare glimpses of species such as Manta Rays, Turtles, and Dolphins.

  • Is there a tour leader provided during the trip?

    Yes, the services of a local tour leader who speaks English and Italian are provided throughout the trip.

  • What are some of the key attractions visited in Asmara?

    In Asmara, key attractions include the Romanesque Santa Maria Cathedral, the Coptic Church Nda Mariam, the historic Medeber market, and the unique Fiat Tagliero garage.

  • What is the visa requirement for this tour?

    A visa invitation letter is provided for most nationalities, but Eritrea visa fees are not included in the tour price. Additional paperwork may be required for Visa on Arrival service for countries with no Eritrean Consulate.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.

  • How many people do you take on your Trips?

    On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.

Reviews of this operator

Giles  

LIMA to RIO (87 days) Kingdoms & Carnivals

31-Jan-2020

Life changing, exhilarating, wonderful, at times tough and challenging.

Lucy Jenner (Google Reviewer)  

I can't recommend Oasis enough....

07-Nov-2022

I can't recommend Oasis enough. I have done two trips with them to Africa (Victoria Falls to Cape Town in 2013 and Nairobi to Vic Falls in 2017). The first trip was my first real travelling experience so I picked a shorter one but it just meant I had to go back for more a few years later because I loved it so much. The trips were well organised and went to amazing places with a good mix of structure and freedom, and it never felt like we were rushed even though a lot was packed into the time. The tour leader and driver looked after us well. I was lucky that the groups I was with were great too, because that can have such an impact.

Ivano Forte (Google Reviewer)  

We have been on 2...

31-Oct-2022

We have been on 2 trips with Oasis through Africa. Both trips were fantastic!! The whole experience from initial booking and lead up communication, to the trip itself, with the wonderfully knowledgeable, hard working, friendly and fun crew, to all the amazing places we visited, things we saw and adventures we had, it was all a truly amazing experience!! Highly recommend Oasis Overland.

Brenda  

SANTIAGO to BUENOS AIRES (31 days) Patagonian Adventures

15-Dec-2019

At 78 years old it has been one of the highlights of my life! The crew were 1st class and the rest of the travellers really looked after me. Highlights were Bariloche and Patagonia

Keera Lambert (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Trans Africa...

28-Oct-2022

I did the Trans Africa with Oasis Overland in 2013/2014 and it was fantastic. The company dealt with issues that arose over the 10month trip quickly and competently. My best travel memories and experiences came from this trip, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Roy Smith (Google Reviewer)  

I've been on 3 trips...

28-Oct-2022

I've been on 3 trips with Oasis, the Silk Road and 2 in Africa, about 33 weeks in total, and planning on another now that covid restrictions aren't preventing it. I find the trips are organized so that you get to see the highlights along those routes, and you're travelling with people a mix of nationality and age so a solo traveler like me isn't alone. These trips are great value, would not have had such a terrific range of experiences otherwise.

Laura  

NAIROBI to HARARE (41 days) Apes & Lakes

30-Jun-2020

Really loved this trip. The pre-trip information was great and Katie really went out of her way to help me. I though that camping for so long would start to get tiring but it really didn't plus there were plenty of opportunities to upgrade and some of the time this was very cheap. So many amazing things to see and do. Seeing the Gorillas in the wild was a highlight for me! Would highly recommend and hope to do another trip in the future.

Laurence Zerafa (Google Reviewer)  

If you like adventure travel,...

31-Oct-2022

If you like adventure travel, daily camping with the odd brick and mortar accommodation, moving daily from one place to another often off the beaten track, getting as close as possible to locals, in the company of like-minded fellow travelers, and at reasonable prices, then this is the travel company for you.

Michael Miranda (Google Reviewer)  

I highly recommend traveling with...

02-Feb-2023

I highly recommend traveling with Oasis Overland. I did a 75 day trip through Africa with them in 2017 and I had an amazing time. From Victoria Falls, the Serengeti, and Great Zimbabwe, I got to see so many once-in-a-lifetime places in a much shorter time period than I would have been able to navigate on my own. The guide and driver were great and I always felt like all situations were handled well as things came up (like there was coup in Zimbabwe while we were there). The bus was comfortable enough and it was very conducive to socializing with other travelers. The group I traveled with was a good mix of nationalities and ages so everyone could find people to hang out with. I think Oasis does a good job of providing a mix of planned activities and free time and offers a good selection of excursions in the places we stopped.

Dino  

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19-Dec-2019

Awesome adventure, White water rafting, sleeping amidst elephants, game drives, adrenaline hits, great company what more could you ask for!

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024
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Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 20, 2025
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Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025
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Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025
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Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.

    At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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