How many festivals to attend: Two is the number I would advise, three at most. Internal travel is slow, permits and lodging need advance planning, and a festival day often absorbs the whole day with long gatherings, early starts and limited transport home. Two lets you see the contrast between a highland occasion and one in another region without spending the trip in transit.
Which kind to prioritize: For first-time visitors and anyone who prefers comfort, choose the events in
Asmara, where hotels, restaurants and the best transport connections are close. For travelers who want a quieter, more local experience, a
religious feast in a smaller highland town or in Keren gives more contact with families and pilgrims, but you give up hotel choice and English. Anyone interested in history or national …
read more 👉 How many festivals to attend: Two is the number I would advise, three at most. Internal travel is slow, permits and lodging need advance planning, and a festival day often absorbs the whole day with long gatherings, early starts and limited transport home. Two lets you see the contrast between a highland occasion and one in another region without spending the trip in transit.
Which kind to prioritize: For first-time visitors and anyone who prefers comfort, choose the events in Asmara, where hotels, restaurants and the best transport connections are close. For travelers who want a quieter, more local experience, a religious feast in a smaller highland town or in Keren gives more contact with families and pilgrims, but you give up hotel choice and English. Anyone interested in history or national identity should add a national commemoration, which has a more formal tone. The coast is best kept for winter and for those comfortable with heat.
What it costs: Plan on US$40 to 70 a day for a mid-budget independent trip, including a hotel at US$25 to 50, meals at US$5 to 12 and local transport. Shared taxis and buses between towns cost roughly US$2 to 8 a journey. Festivals themselves generally charge no entry. Budget US$30 to 60 a day for a driver or guide if one is needed for access or permits. A single festival visit, with transport and a modest meal, usually runs US$10 to 25 on top of lodging. Carry cash in small, clean US dollar or euro notes and change money through official outlets, because cards and most ATMs do not work for foreigners.
Safety and cultural considerations: Eritrea has low street crime, and large gatherings are orderly. The main risks are administrative. Carry your passport and any travel permit, expect checkpoints, and do not photograph soldiers, military sites or government buildings. Ask before photographing people during worship, and never photograph during communion, prayer or processions without clear permission.
Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a scarf for churches and mosques. Remove shoes where others do. Fasting periods affect food availability, and Orthodox fasting days mean meat is often not served in homes or restaurants. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking openly in Muslim areas during daylight. Accept offered coffee, which is part of hospitality and is usually served in three rounds.
Check current border and regional advisories before booking, especially for areas near the Ethiopian and Djibouti frontiers. Stay with the main roads, avoid travel after dark, and keep a printed copy of your permit and itinerary.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.