Eritrea Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on a journey of discovery with the Eritrea Road Trip! This 14-day, 2408km journey through the country of Eritrea begins and ends in the capital city of Asmara. Along the way, you'll explore the towns of Af'Abet, Nakfa, Keren, Barentu, Mendefera, and Thio. These destinations are filled with attractions that are sure to make your trip a memorable one.
The best time of the year to take this road trip is during the dry season, from December to March. During this time, you'll get to experience the stunning landscapes of Eritrea, from the rolling hills to the rugged mountains. However, please be aware that the roads in Eritrea can be in poor condition, and you may find yourself driving on partly curvy or narrow roads.
This road trip is suitable for all kinds of drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the beauty of Eritrea with the Eritrea Road Trip!
14
number of days
2,450 km
route length
fair
budget
survivalist
good for
on the left
traffic direction
extreme
accident level
START
Asmara
Distance 2,450 km
Driving time 48.3 h
Pace: modest
636.9 kWh
Airports
ASM
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Asmara is the capital city of Eritrea and a great starting point for the Eritrea Road Trip. It is known for its stunning architecture, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Asmara's historical buildings, churches, mosques, and markets offer plenty of sights to explore.
The best way to get around Asmara is by car. The closest international airport is Asmara International Airport (ASM), located just seven kilometers away from the city centre. Car rental services are available at the airport, giving travelers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings with ease.
The city offers plenty of attractions to explore, including the Opera House, the National Museum, the Imperial Palace, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and the Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral. Other interesting places to visit are the old Railway Station, the Cinema Impero, and the Fiat Tagliero Building.
Asmara is a great starting point for the Eritrea Road Trip. It has a unique atmosphere, and its historical buildings and monuments make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a truly unique experience.
1
Asmara
- Af'Abet
Distance 248 km
Driving time 6.0 h
Pace: modest
64.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Eritrea Road Trip stage from Asmara to Af'Abet! This journey of 247 km will take you less than 5 hours of driving and you will get to see some of the most interesting places in Eritrea.
Start your trip in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, and take a stroll through its historical centre, which is filled with Italian colonial architecture. Here you can visit the Enda Mariam Cathedral, the Fiat Tagliero Building, and the Cinema Impero, among other attractions.
Continue your journey to Af'Abet, a small village located in the Debubawi Keyih Bahri region. Here, you can visit the Af'Abet Church, a beautiful church built in the 19th century. Also, make sure to visit the nearby mountain of Zikala, where you can enjoy stunning views of the region.
On your way, you can also stop at other interesting places, such as the Debre Sina Monastery, the Debre Sina Church, and the Debre Sina Cave.
As you drive along the route, be sure to take in the beautiful landscapes of Eritrea.
Remember that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Af'Abet - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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2
Af'Abet
- Nakfa
Distance 68 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: modest
17.7 kWh
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Embark on a unique road trip adventure from Af'Abet to Nakfa that will take you through breathtaking landscapes and charming villages! This stretch of 69km will take you less than 2 hours, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the ride. We recommend you take a 4WD car for this stage, as you will be driving on some unpaved roads. Don't forget to take some pictures of the amazing views along the way!
Once you arrive in Nakfa, you will be welcomed by the stunning Nakfa Castle. This historic fortress is a must-see, and a great place to learn about Eritrean culture and history. After that, take a walk around the vibrant market and explore the local crafts and souvenirs.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey and have a safe trip!
Nakfa - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - Eritrea
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3
Nakfa
- Keren
Distance 135 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
40.4 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Nakfa to Keren, Eritrea! This 135km journey will take you less than three hours to complete, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the ride. For a more comfortable experience, a 4WD car is advisable. Along the way, be sure to take in the stunning views of the Eritrean countryside and keep an eye out for any historical sites. You'll also pass through a few small towns, so make sure to take a break and explore. Some of the most interesting places to visit in Nakfa include the Nakfa War Memorial and the historic Nakfa Castle. When you reach Keren, don't miss out on visiting the Keren War Memorial and the Keren Museum. There's plenty more to discover in these two cities, so make sure to check out the Itinerary for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy the journey!
Keren - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - lt.m.wikipedia.org
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4
Keren
- Agordat
Distance 82 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: modest
21.3 kWh
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Welcome to the Keren-Agordat road trip stage! This stage is part of a larger tour, and it will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Eritrea. The trip starts in Keren, a city with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. Visit the Keren War Cemetery and the Keren Museum to learn more about the city's past. Then, head to Agordat, a small city located 84 km away from Keren. Along the way, you will be able to admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and you will reach your destination in less than one hour. In Agordat, you can explore the city's old market and visit the Agordat Cathedral, which is known for its unique architecture. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Agordat - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - Eritrea
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5
Agordat
- Barentu
Distance 66 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: modest
17.3 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Today's stage of your journey takes you from Agordat, Eritrea to Barentu, a journey of 66km that can be completed in less than an hour.
Agordat, Eritrea is home to the beautiful Agordat Cathedral, a stunning example of Eritrean architecture, and the Agordat National Museum, a great place to learn about the history and culture of Eritrea.
As you travel from Agordat to Barentu, you'll pass through the picturesque towns of Keren and Asmara, so make sure to take a break and enjoy the views. Once you arrive in Barentu, you can explore the Barentu Museum and the Barentu Cultural Centre, a great place to learn about the local culture and history.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Have a great journey!
Barentu - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip
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6
Barentu
- Molki
Distance 88 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: modest
22.9 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Barentu to Molki, a 90 km journey that will take you fewer than 2 hours! This stretch of Eritrean countryside is a must-see for any road-tripper. A 4WD car is advisable for this section of the tour, as the road is often bumpy and winding. Enjoy the scenic views of the countryside as you drive along. Be sure to take plenty of photos of the beautiful rolling hills and vast landscapes.
Once you reach Molki, you can explore the local markets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Visit the historical sites, such as the Molki Mosque, and take in the sights and sounds of this ancient city. For a more peaceful experience, take a stroll through the local park and relax in the shade of the trees.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road to experience the beauty of Eritrea!
Molki - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - - Wikipedia
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7
Molki
- Mendefera
Distance 107 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: modest
27.9 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Molki to Mendefera? This 106 km journey will take you less than 4 hours, but you'll get to experience some of the most interesting places in Eritrea. We recommend you use a 4WD car as some of the roads may be narrow. Along the way, you can visit Molki's famous old churches, the stunning views of the Tserona Valley, and the beautiful Lake Asale. In Mendefera, you can explore the historical sites of the city, such as the ancient monastery of Debre Bizen and the old fortress of Mendefera. Make sure to take some time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for your Molki to Mendefera road trip!
Mendefera - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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8
Mendefera
- Adi Keyh
Distance 163 km
Driving time 3.8 h
Pace: modest
42.3 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Mendefera to Adi Keyh? This 163 km journey will take you less than two hours, and will give you a chance to explore the best of Eritrea.
Start your journey in Mendefera, where you can visit the Church of St. Mary, the impressive Mendefera Museum, and the beautiful Harnet Square.
As you make your way to Adi Keyh, make sure you stop at the Gheleb Dam, a great spot for fishing and a great place to take pictures. You will also pass through Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, where you can explore the city's many attractions, such as the Asmara Zoo, the Asmara Opera House, and the Asmara Grand Mosque.
Finally, you will reach Adi Keyh, a small town located in the highlands of Eritrea. Here you can visit the Adi Keyh Monastery, a beautiful and peaceful spot, and the Adi Keyh Market, a bustling market where you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
This is just one of the many stages of your Eritrean road trip, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your journey today!
Adi Keyh - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - ar.m.wikipedia.org
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9
Adi Keyh
- Massawa
Distance 194 km
Driving time 4.0 h
Pace: modest
50.4 kWh
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Adi Keyh to Massawa and explore the wonderful landscape of Eritrea. This 220km journey, which will take you less than three hours, will take you through some of the most beautiful places in the region.
Start your trip in Adi Keyh, a small city located in the Debub Region, and visit the Debre Bizen Monastery, which is known for its beautiful architecture and its sacred artifacts. Then, make your way to the nearby Kebessa Mountains, where you can admire the stunning views of the region and explore the ancient ruins.
Continue your journey to Massawa, one of the most beautiful cities in Eritrea. Here, you can visit the historic Old City, which is full of unique architecture and monuments. Don't miss the chance to explore the beautiful beaches and the colorful markets.
This stage of your road trip is just the beginning of your journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can find it in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't wait any longer and start your adventure now!
Massawa - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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10
Massawa
- Idi
Distance 373 km
Driving time 5.6 h
Pace: fast
112.0 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Massawa to Idi! This 373 km journey is filled with stunning views and a few winding roads. You can expect to make it to your destination in under 5 hours. Along the way, you'll be mesmerized by the views of the Red Sea and the captivating landscape of Eritrea. Be sure to keep an eye out for the scenic roads that will take you through the desert and mountains.
Once in Idi, you can explore the ancient ruins of the city and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. You can also take a visit to the nearby villages and explore the culture of the locals. Don't forget to take a few photos of the breathtaking landscapes!
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Idi - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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11
Idi
- Assab
Distance 221 km
Driving time 4.9 h
Pace: modest
57.5 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Idi to Assab! This 182 km journey will take you less than three hours, and will provide you with some of the most amazing views in Eritrea. Start your journey in Idi, and make sure to take a moment to admire the beautiful architecture of the city. As you drive, you will be surrounded by stunning landscapes, and you will even be able to spot some historical sites. Make sure to take some pictures along the way! Your next stop is the city of Assab, where you can explore the local culture and enjoy some delicious local cuisine. Don’t forget to take a look at the stunning beaches and the vibrant nightlife! As you drive, be sure to pay attention to the road and take in all the sights. Remember that more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Idi to Assab!
Assab - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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12
Assab
- Thio
Distance 340 km
Driving time 6.7 h
Pace: modest
88.5 kWh
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Welcome to the Assab to Thio road trip stage! This is a great part of a larger tour, and you'll get to explore the best of Eritrea in just under 4 hours. The journey is 306 km long, and you'll be driving through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Start your tour in Assab and take in the sights of the Red Sea. Then, make your way to Thio, where you can admire the gorgeous views of the mountains and the lush greenery.
On your way, you'll be able to take in the stunning views of the coast and the rugged landscape of the countryside. Be sure to keep an eye out for the local wildlife, as you may spot some rare species. There are also plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the area.
Once you reach Thio, you'll be able to explore the town's unique culture and history. From its traditional architecture to its vibrant markets, this is a great place to learn about the culture of Eritrea.
Don't forget to take in the stunning views of the mountains and the lush greenery. You'll also be able to explore the local cuisine, which is sure to delight your taste buds.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the best of Eritrea on this amazing road trip!
Thio - Eritrea - Africa - Road Trip - Eritrea
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13
Thio
- Asmara
Distance 364 km
Driving time 6.3 h
Pace: modest
94.7 kWh
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Embark on a 367km road trip from Thio,Eritrea to Asmara and experience some of the most breathtaking views in the country. The driving time is estimated to be fewer than 5 hours, so you can take your time to explore the many attractions along the way.
Start your journey in Thio and take a walk through the historical sites such as the remains of the old Italian fort, or the local church. You can also take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the small cafes in the area. As you drive towards Asmara, make sure to keep your eyes open for the scenic views of the countryside. The rolling hills and the winding roads will make you feel like you are in a postcard.
Once you arrive in Asmara, you can explore the city’s many attractions, such as the Asmara Grand Mosque and the National Museum. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore.
This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Thio to Asmara and explore the beauty of Eritrea!
Asmara
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Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is the final destination of the Eritrea Road Trip. With its unique blend of African, Arabic, and European cultures, Asmara is a city that captivates travelers.
The city is known for its Art Deco and Modernist architecture, making it a great place to explore. The Fiat Tagliero Building, with its wings resembling an airplane, is a must-see. The Cinema Impero is another remarkable sight, with its striking façade, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is also home to several churches, mosques and synagogues, reflecting its diverse religious history. The Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral is the largest church in Eritrea and is a popular destination for tourists.
Asmara is also a great place to get a taste of local cuisine. The city is known for its delicious street food, such as the popular kitcha fit-fit, made with injera bread, and zighni, a spicy stew.
Asmara is served by Asmara International Airport (ASM). The airport is located approximately 8 kilometers from the city center, and is the closest international airport to Asmara.
For those traveling by car, the Eritrea Road Trip is a great way to explore the country. The trip will take you through the cities of Massawa, Keren and Tesseney, before ending in Asmara.
So, if you're looking for a unique travel experience, Asmara is the perfect destination. With its diverse culture, architecture, and cuisine, it's sure to make for an unforgettable journey.
Eritrea Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Asmara
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End:
Asmara
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Distance:
2,450 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
Asmara International Airport (ASM)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating Eritrea Road Trip, a 14-day expedition traversing 2408 km that both begins and concludes in Asmara, Eritrea's enchanting capital. This Trip is a treasure trove of discovery, offering an authentic glimpse into the heart of Eritrea’s diverse towns, each brimming with cultural and historical attractions.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Asmara: A UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its well-preserved Italian colonial architecture, exemplified by landmarks such as the Fiat Tagliero Building and St. Joseph's Cathedral. Asmara is a living museum of Art Deco architecture.
- Af'Abet, Nakfa, Keren: Delve into Eritrea's poignant history and rich culture as you visit these towns. Nakfa is symbolic for its role in the Eritrean struggle for independence, with relics and trenches from the conflict.
- Barentu: Engage with a tapestry of ethnic groups, such as the Nara and Kunama, each upholding unique traditions and ways of life.
- Mendefera and Thio: Uncover Eritrea's ancient past at archaeological sites and lose yourself in the serene natural landscapes, including majestic valleys and mountains.
Best Time to Go:
Plan your Trip from December to March to capitalize on the dry season, which offers optimal Road conditions for travel and comfortable weather for exploring the myriad of sights Eritrea has to offer.
Potential Risks:
- Driving may be demanding due to inconsistent Road quality, including winding and narrow Roadways.
- Provisions for travelers can be sparse outside urban centers, mandating thorough preparation for essentials like fuel and accommodation.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The journey is moderately budget-friendly, accommodating a range of travel finances.
- Drivers of varying experience will find the Trip manageable, yet stimulating.
- Careful route and stopover planning are essential, especially for securing fuel and overnight stays.
- Familiarity with Eritrea’s driving laws and customs is crucial for a smooth journey.
A good choice for:
The Eritrea Road Trip offers a memorable adventure for the intrepid traveler, unveiling the stunning vistas and rich cultural tapestry of this lesser-known gem. The journey affords a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of Italian colonial history with African culture, making it an unparalleled experience for those who seek Roads less traveled.
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