Travel through Africa’s newest nation to see the amazing Art Deco architecture of Asmara, evocative Massawa and forbidding Dankalia, one of the most inhospitable regions on earth.
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Our trip was wonderful- The staff in Angola met all of our expectations and went above and beyond- a special thanks to Ray who met us at airport, got us started on our trip, entertained us at the Flamigo Lodge and met us again on our return to Lumabgo and took us to airport for our departure to Namibia
Itinerary
Introduction
A fantastic insight to this little visited corner of Africa, this tour allows you to discover the highlights of the country. We start and end with the charming capital Asmara, at 2,300m pleasant at any time of the year. You will have plenty of time to check out some of the Italian style cafes and bars before we head north to Keren, famous for its Monday camel market. Next we travel towards the Red Sea Coast and the city of Massawa, a place with an engaging, exotic character.
We explore the nearby Dahlak Islands and visit one of the best coral sites in the world. Then back to the mainland before travelling into the northernmost part of the Dankalia, a remote and stunning area..
We travel back to Asmara from where we will enjoy an excursion through the mountains on the famous Italian-era steam train. We finish our adventure with a trip to Qohaito and a visit to the ancient ruins that formed part of the Kingdom of Aksum.
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1- Asmara Arrive in Asmara and transfer from the airport to your hotel. After settling in, take a city tour to see many examples of Art Deco architecture dating from the Italian period, and enjoy the perfect year round climate by taking a cappuccino at one of the many outdoor cafes. Overnight Ambasoira Hotel or similar.
Day 2 - Asmara to Keren Today we leave the capital by 4WD vehicle and head north through the highlands past steep terraces of coffee and orange groves to Keren, set on a plateau at 1392m surrounded by dusty ochre mountains. One of the country's most attractive towns, Keren is also the heart of Eritrea's agricultural community. Visits include Keren’s popular markets, including one for livestock and camels, which attracts traders from a wide area. Overnight Sarina Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 3 - Keren A full day to explore Keren with your guide and 4WD vehicle. Visits include the shrine of St. Mariam D’Arit, unusually set into a baobab tree. Overnight Sarina Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 4 - Massawa We continue from Keren to the Red Sea Coast and the city of Massawa. Our leisurely drive will take us through Filfil, home to Eritrea’s last remnant of tropical forest. It forms part of the Semenawai Bahri or ‘Green Belt’ area and, amid the arid starkness of the surrounding landscape, rises up oasis-like before you, cool, lush and verdant. It is also one of the best places in the country to see birds and mammals. There is a good chance of spotting vervet monkeys and hamadryas baboons. We will arrive at our destination, Massawa by lunchtime. In the afternoon we take a tour of the city. Stroll among the many white Turkish, Egyptian and Italian buildings and through the maze of narrow alleyways to soak up the atmosphere and maybe sample some of the mouth-watering seafood available. Overnight Red Sea Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 5 - Day Excursion to Buri Peninsula Travel south by 4WD to the start of the Dankalia region. You will get a good insight into one of the remotest places on earth and see some of the salt flats that make up the Peninsula. Overnight Red Sea Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 6 - Day Excursion to Green Island By boat we visit Green Island, one mile off the coast of Massawa and part of the stunning Dahlak archipelago. Return to Massawa in the afternoon, where our driver and 4WD vehicle will be waiting to take you the drive back to Asmara. Overnight Ambasoira Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 7 - Asmara A free day to explore the city and admire some of Asmara’s stunning Art Deco architecture, a legacy of the country’s Italian colonial period. Overnight Ambasoira Hote or similar. (B)
Day 8 - Steam Train Excursion* Today we have arranged a morning excursion on Eritrea's famous Italian-era steam train through the mountains and back to Asmara. This journey is considered to be one of the greatest rail journeys in Africa and will be enjoyed even by those who are not train enthusiasts. You will arrive back in Asmara around lunch time and the afternoon will be free for you to relax and enjoy the city. Overnight Ambasoira Hotel or similar. (B) *the train excursion is subject to minimum numbers in the group.
Day 9 - Qohaito We visit Qohaito to see its ruins including the large Saphira Dam and the palace of King Saba. At 2,700m the setting is wonderful, with sharp descents and views towards Mount Ambasoira, the highest peak in Eritrea, and views out towards the Red Sea. Overnight Ambasoira Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 10 - Asmara Your last day in Eritrea and time to reflect on what will have been an enjoyable and rewarding introduction to this little visited country. With so much to offer visitors you will be surprised that you have not come across more tourists. Be sure not to miss Asmara’s amazing ‘recycling market’, basically an overgrown scrap yard where old metal scrap is turned into wheelbarrows, garden implements, stoves and lanterns. Overnight Ambasoira Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 11- Asmara Tour ends. (B)
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Price Includes Accommodation breakfast and daily lunch (except first and last days) all transport Dahlak Islands excursion steam train excursion (subject to confirmation locally and minimum numbers) English speaking driver/guide
Price Does Not Include International flights travel Insurance visa fees meals other than shown drinks
Departure Dates 14 February 2010, 11 April 2010, 24 October 2010, 13 February 2011, 10 April 2011, 23 October 2011
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