Experience Eritrea Firsthand – A Mosaic Of Nine Cultures & Diverse Traditions

Start early today and drive downhill from Asmara through the snaking and dramatic road up via the major Asmara-Massasa highway, through the town of Ghindae and further to the Port city of Massawa.

After brief rest, drive from Massawa to Foro and further to the country’s popular archeological site of Adulis and Zula and travel back to Massawa.

Visit the ancient port of Adulis that was once a renowned gateway, once numbering among the renowned ports of the ancient civilizations that had links to the Roman, Egyptian and Greek empires. Explore the ruins such as the recently discovered huge ancient temple, potsherd, other uncovered ruins and artifacts over the years, etc.

Visit the Gulf of Zula – a deep cleft in Eritrea’s coastline which is the birthplace of the Great Rift Valley on the African continent.

In the surrounding of Foro and Adulis, as circumstance allows visit the Afar ethnic group who reside in the surrounding.

Gurgsum beach swimming, rest and recreation.

After early breakfast, explore the Port city of Massawa – the Pearl of the Red Sea. Some of the things to see in Massawa include the Northern Red Sea Regional Museum, the Tiwalet causeway, Shaafi Mosque - one of the oldest mosques in Africa, Imperial palace, the Tank monument (three tanks that were instrumental in the liberation of Massawa during the remarkable Fenkel Operation), etc.

Visit the Rashaida ethnic group located in the environs of Massawa. The Rashaida are expert livestock and camel rearers, traders along the Red Sea coast. The Rashaida women are known for their black and red geometrically patterned dresses, their long veil (burqa) elaborately embroiled with silver threads. Mingle and enjoy coffee ceremony with the Rashaida ethnic group.  

Drive uphill from Massawa and via the town of Nefasit further to the town of Adikeih.

Start early today and after breakfast explore the popular ancient city of Qohaito and the Saho ethnic group that mostly reside around Adikeih.

Start early today and after breakfast explore the popular ancient city of Qohaito and the Saho ethnic group that mostly reside around Adikeih.

Thrilling drive to, some 15 km off-road from Adkeih to archeological site of Qohaito. Some of the wonders to see in Qohaito including Safira Dam, pre-historic Rock-paintings, Monolith stelae, ruins of pre-Christian temple, the foundation of ancient palaces, etc. Enjoy the wondrous sceneries from the top of the Vast Canyon – overlooking all the way to the Red Sea coast.

The Saho ethnic group, belonging to the Cushitic stock, are mostly pastoralists and sedentary farmers. Being expert herdsmen, aside from tending their own cattle, they also tend livestock of neighboring tribes in exchange for grain. The Saho are known for their penchant for honey, which is an important part of their diet, and for their skills of beekeeping.

As time allows, en route stop by a small town of Segeneiti, with a lush fertile home to sycamore trees that were the hub of very important communal activities. The largest sycamore tree has been displayed as a representative to these ancients and thus immortalized in the 5-Nakfa note, the country's currency.

Drive back uphill to Asmara while enjoying the scenery of mountains and valleys.

After early breakfast, experience the thrilling train excursion using the legendary 19^th Century Steam locomotive from Asmara to Areberebui and back to Asmara.

Around Areberebui, take a short stop, encounter and mingle with the locals mainly from Tigrinya and Tigre tribes, walk along the magnificent railways and bridges first laid in early 20^th C, maintained and expanded recently.

After brief rest and lunch, travel downhill from Asmara to the charming city of Keren.

Stop on the way in the village and small town of Adi Tekelezan, about 37km from Asmara.

Visit the Tigrinya ethnic group, experience firsthand their livelihood, traditional houses called Hidmo along with its utencils, etc. The Tigrinya ethnic group, among a majority of the Eritrean population, mainly inhabits in the densely populated central and southern regions and are mostly agriculturalists and business men. They speak a language called Tigrinya, which is one of the country’s official languages.

After arrival to Keren - Visit the charming city of Keren. Some of the things to see include: the famous Mariam Dearit inside a Baobab, the British and Italian cemeteries of World War II, the old Railway Station from 1930’s and St. Antony Romanesque Church, the old Mosque, etc.

After early breakfast, visit the colorful and bustling Keren’ Monday’s market that attract traders and tribes from the surrounding areas.

Visit the Bilen and Tigre ethnic groups in the environs of Keren.

The Tigre ethnic group are semi-pastoralists and agriculturalists. The Tigre are known for their oral traditions and their flair of poetry and singing.

The Bilen Ethnic group are mainly traditional farmers and traders. The Bilen women are known for their brightly colored clothes and nose rings (made of gold, silver and copper that indicate their social status) and henna tattoos that mimic diamond necklaces or little freckles.

Mingle and enjoy coffee ceremony with the locals.

Drive back to Asmara.

N.B.

If the train didn’t operate as scheduled on day 5, you will travel straight from Asmara to the city of Keren. The Train excursion fee is not included on the tour package price; if there is you will pay on spot.